Ken Clay has sadly passed away at the age of 71, due to heart and kidney issues.
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"Dr. Jim Warner, executive medical director for the Centra Heart & Vascular Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia, notified the Yankees on Sunday that Clay died Thursday at home in Lynchburg," The Associated Press reported. "Warner said Clay's cause of death was heart and kidney issues."
Ken spent most of his professional baseball career as a reliever. Clay spent five seasons in the MLB between 1977 and 1981. Three of those seasons came with the New York Yankees. He won two World Series during his time in New York, one in 1977 and the other in 1978.
Clay made his major league debut in June 1977 and appeared in two games in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1978, also against the Dodgers, he gave up a three-run homer to Davey Lopes in Game 1 in his only appearance.
"Clay made his major league debut in June 1977 and appeared in two games in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers," The Associated Press noted. "In 1978, also against the Dodgers, he gave up a three-run homer to Davey Lopes in Game 1 in his only appearance."
Ken Clay Played for Two Other MLB Teams
Ken finished the 1979 season playing in the minor leagues. He was still in the minors at the start of the 1980 season. However, he was then traded from the Yankees to the Texas Rangers. Gaylord Perry joined the New York Yankees as part of that deal.
During his time with the Rangers, Ken played in eight games, allowing 24 runs. Having struggled to make an impact in Texas, Ken was traded to the Seattle Mariners the following season. Ken's time in Seattle was slightly more successful. He suited up for 22 games, allowing 62 runs.
Ultimately, Ken was released from the Mariners during their 1982 training camp. His release marked the end of his career at the highest level of baseball.
"Clay made 111 appearances in the majors in his career, including 36 starts, and was 10-24 with three saves and a 4.68 ERA," The Associated Press noted.
There are no details regarding Ken's impending funeral. That information will likely be kept private for family, close friends, and loved ones. RIP.
