Jim Clancy became early Blue Jays regular, passed in 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starter Jim Clancy admitted his legs were shaking toward the end of this September 1982 game - as fans cheered more the deeper into the game he took his perfect game bid, he told The Associated Press later.
He ultimately made it to the ninth inning, before he gave up a broken-bat bloop single that fell just out of the reach of his second baseman, The AP wrote.
"It was a good pitch," Clancy told The AP. "It was a fastball in. It broke his bat, but I guess I didn't get it in good enough."
Clancy flirted with perfection in that game in his sixth season in the majors. He went on to throw enough good pitches to see 15 major league campaigns, 12 as an original Blue Jay.
Clancy's career began in 1974, taken by the Rangers in the fourth round of the draft out of St. Rita of Cascia High in Chicago.
He started with the Rangers in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He then moved to single-A Anderson and AA San Antonio for 1976. He then moved to the Blue Jays in the expansion draft and soon became a franchise regular.
Clancy made the Blue Jays for 13 starts in 1977, then 30 in 1978 and 34 in 1980. His 3.30 ERA in 1980 was enough for 10th best in the league, The Toronto Star wrote.
"After 3 1/2 years, I feel like I know the hitters and I have enough experience to have a chance of winning every time I get the ball," Clancy told The Star in response to his top-10 ERA, "no matter what team I am facing."
Clancy aw 22 starts in 1981 and 40 in 1982. His 1982 campaign also saw him make the all-star team.
He continued with the Blue Jays through 1988, accumulating at least 23 starts each season and at least nine wins each year.
He then signed with Houston for 1989 and went 7-14, with a 5.08 ERA. He saw 33 outings, 10 starts with Houston in 1990, and saw 10 outings at AAA Tucson. He finished out his major league career in 1991 between Houston and Atlanta.
Clancy passed way in July 2025 at the age of 69. Upon his passing, the Blue Jays noted his achievements with the team, still second in franchise history in starts, innings pitched, and complete games.
"His impact on our organization will be remembered forever," the Blue Jays wrote.
- Toronto Star, Dec. 2, 1980: Jays' Jim Clancy joins the AL elite
- Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, Associated Press, Sept. 29, 1982: Toronto's Jim Clancy flirts with perfection
- X, July 14, 2025: Toronto Blue Jays
Made the Majors:1,443-31.6%-X
Never Made Majors:3,119-68.4%
.jpg)
