NEW YORK -- Tyler Clippard vividly remembers his major league debut, which came while pitching for the Yankees against the Mets on May 20, 2007, at Shea Stadium.
“I can almost remember pitch to pitch in that game,” Clippard said Tuesday, after joining the Mets in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. “It was a dream come true. Making your debut as a 22-year-old in the Subway Series on Sunday Night Baseball, it doesn’t get any better than that. I got the win, hit a double, gave up a home run to David Wright. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. Just the whole thing was really cool. That was a good night, and David since has hit a few more home runs off me.”
Clippard originally was drafted by the Yankees in the ninth round in 2003. He spent one season in the Bronx before getting traded to the Washington Nationals on Dec. 4, 2007, for Jonathan Albaladejo.
“My time here in New York when I was with the Yankees, it was a very whirlwind kind of time for me in my life,” Clippard said. “I was 22 years old and I spent about two months with the Yankees. It wasn’t like I was established here at all. It wasn’t like I had a residence or anything like that. It’s my second go-around. I’m way older, a lot more polished. I know my way around the big leagues a little bit now -- a lot more comfortable. So this time around in New York I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to be here.”
Clippard said he is grateful to have served as Oakland’s closer during his half-season there. He went 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA and had 17 saves. Clippard also walked 21 batters in 38 2/3 innings. He suggested he solved a season-long mechanical issue during a bullpen session after a three-walk appearance for the Athletics last Wednesday, which turned out to be his last relief work for the AL West club.
“I feel like just recently I’ve gotten it ironed out,” Clippard said. “It’s kind of funny the timing of this trade and how I feel on the mound.”
