#644) BRADY CLARK

Brady Clark first joined the New York Mets when he was traded along with Pedro Feliciano, Raul Gonzalez, and Elvin Andujar from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Shawn Estes on August 15, 2002. After being initially assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, he made his Mets' debut on September 11, 2002. Brady came on as a pinch-runner for Jason Phillips during the 8-5 loss to the Braves in Atlanta. He would not make his Shea Stadium debut until September 21st.

Clark played in a total of 10 games to close the season. Serving as a reserve in most of those he would only get 12 at-bats, but his five hits came to a .417 batting average. Brady ended his first tour with New York when he was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers (who would make him their centerfielder) on January 21, 2003.

The now 34 year-old veteran was offered a minor-league contract by the Mets and invited to major-league spring training camp in 2008. Clark was used to the adversity, "my whole career's been about proving myself. It fuels the fire and it's always an accomplishment when you prove the naysayers wrong." Moises Alou's hernia surgery created a need for an outfielder on the opening day roster. Brady had earned that spot with a good spring. So for the first month of the season Clark was used as the Mets' right-handed pinch-hitter, and reserve corner outfielder. He appeared in seven games with eight at-bats and a .250 batting average.

Brian Schneider, the Mets catcher, developed a severe infection in his left thumb. A puzzling injury that forced the team to debate placing Schneider on the disabled list. To clear roster space for a replacement catcher the Mets designated Clark for assignment on April 24th. Brady considered retirement, but elected to accept the assignment to Triple-A New Orleans. After playing just six games for the Zephyrs he suffered a deep right knee bruise that forced him to the disabled list. Clark underwent season-ending microfracture surgery on May 16th, and was granted free agency on September 29th.

I created Brady Clark's card in the set from an autographed index card given to me by my good friend, Jessie on October 16, 2010.