#128) DONN CLENDENON

Donn Clendenon was traded by the Montreal Expos to the New York Mets in exchange for Kevin Collins, Steve Renko, Bill Carden (minors) and Dave Colon (minors) on June 15, 1969. He was obtained to provide a hitter to drive in runs from the middle of the batting order. Donn did not disappoint. He saved his best for the 1969 World Series where he slugged three home runs, with each one a game difference maker. Clendenon was rewarded by being named the Most Valuable Player of that series, and becoming a member of the World Champion Miracle Mets.

After retiring from baseball in 1972, Clendenon earned a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University. He recounted the 1969 season in his book, Miracle In New York, in which he also talked about growing up in Atlanta, earning his law degree and battling drug addiction as he neared his 50th birthday. He eventually entered a drug rehabilitation facility in Ogden, Utah, and during a physical examination in connection with his treatment, he learned he had leukemia. That prompted his move to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he practiced law and became a certified addiction counselor. Donn Clendenon passed away in Sioux Falls on September 17, 2005 at the age of 70.

I converted an autographed index card I purchased from an Ebay seller into Donn Clendenon's card in the set on November 2, 2009.