Jack Clark used to be one of the most feared right-handed sluggers in the National League. Known as 'the Ripper', the four-time All-Star hit 340 home runs in an 18-year MLB career. Clark won the Silver Slugger Award in 1985 and 1987 while on the San Francisco Giants.
His reputation saw him walked 1,246 times by pitchers. “One hell of a hitter, he puts the fear of God in you when he comes up to bat," said his St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog.
"He’s a good guy to have on your club, in your clubhouse.” Earning over $10million in his career, Clark could have been set for life. But in 1992 - in the middle of a three-year $8.
7million contract with the Boston Red Sox - he ended up filing for bankruptcy in 1992 with $6.7million debts. The batter's love for fast cars was behind his financial struggles.
Clark set up his own drag-racing business, which he lost along with a $2.4million California mansion. His outrageous car collection also had to go.
According to Sports Illustrated , a $700,000 1990 Ferrari F-40 was the highlight of a fleet of 18, which also included a 1989 Ferrari Mondial, and 1992 Mercedes 500 SL Coupe - each worth over $100,000. "This shows everybody what can happen to you if you don't manage your money well," Clark said at the time. "I did it to myself.
" Clark's stance has changed since and he put some of the blame on financial advisors. "I take some of the blame, but I was a victim," he said. "I didn't know any better.
I was a ballplayer. I drove a ra.