John Gibson Clarkson (1861-1909)
Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher
It seems like a fitting time to feature the history of John G. Clarkson considering the leaders of Bay City are evaluating the possibilities of bring professional minor league baseball here. Our local community has enjoyed playing and watching local ball games almost as long as the game has been around. Today, softball leagues dominate the scene, but the future may return us to the past when baseball thrilled local audiences that competed with clubs from other cities in Michigan.
John Clarkson wasn't born here, however Bay City was his adopted home. Before he went onto fame in baseball's National League in 1882, he had made his mark playing local baseball which brought him to the attention of the major league. He first played with a team in Saginaw that was later moved to Bay City.
His achievements as a pitcher in the National League were monumental during his hey-day. He twice won over 70 games! He retired as the winningest ever. However, it wasn't until 1963 that was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. Even today, his record ranks him among the all time greatest pitchers to have ever played baseball. It's ironic, that as of this writing, he hasn't been inducted into Bay County's Sports Hall of Fame. It might be because he wasn't born here, however, it was his home of choice and that along with his his recognition by professional baseball should be good enough.
Back on July 21, 2002, Tim Younkman wrote an article in the Bay City Times about John Clarkson recalling his history with this community. He pointed out that back in 1909 the city honored him by naming a new ballpark, Clarkson Park on Livingston off Center avenue, after him, that if the city should ever build a another baseball park, it should also bear his name. I am in total agreement with Mr. Younkeman's sentiments. It certainly is in keeping with our long heritage associated with sports, and of acknowledging those who have excelled in athletics.
{Biography of John G. Clarkson}
