Giants Legend Will Clark Recalls Thrill of Representing Team USA at '84 Olympics

Clark led the U.S. baseball team with a .429 batting average, nine hits, eight RBIs and three home runs in five games at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:48am

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In 1984, Giants legend Will Clark starred for the U.S. Olympic baseball team that won a silver medal when the Summer Games were last held in Los Angeles. Clark, who was a rising junior at Mississippi State at the time, led Team USA with a .429 batting average, nine hits, eight RBIs and three home runs in five games, though the Americans ended up finishing runner-up to Japan during the demonstration baseball tournament at Dodger Stadium. Clark was part of a loaded American roster that included future big leaguers Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, Bobby Witt and B.J. Surhoff. The experience helped prepare Clark for his successful professional career in the majors.

Why it matters

The 1984 Olympics marked the last time baseball was a demonstration sport at the Summer Games. With momentum building for Major League players to potentially participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Clark's experience provides a unique perspective on what it means to represent the United States on the Olympic stage.

The details

Before heading to Los Angeles, the U.S. Olympic baseball team spent more than a month traveling around the country to play tuneup games against other college teams in what Clark described as a "barnstorming tour." The squad played 36 games in 35 days across 32 different cities, which helped prepare them for the rigors of professional baseball. Clark and his teammates also got to mingle with other college stars like Michael Jordan, who was selected to play for the 1984 U.S. Olympic basketball team.

  • The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles.
  • Clark was a rising junior at Mississippi State University at the time.

The players

Will Clark

Giants legend who starred for the U.S. Olympic baseball team that won a silver medal in 1984.

Barry Larkin

Future Hall of Fame shortstop who was part of the loaded U.S. Olympic baseball roster in 1984.

Mark McGwire

Future MLB slugger who was part of the U.S. Olympic baseball team in 1984.

Bobby Witt

Father of current Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who was part of the U.S. Olympic baseball team in 1984.

B.J. Surhoff

Future MLB player who was part of the U.S. Olympic baseball team in 1984.

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What they’re saying

“That one experience probably got me more ready for pro ball than anything.”

— Will Clark

“We came out in the Opening Ceremonies in the L.A. Coliseum -- 120,000 people and they're all chanting, 'USA! USA!'”

— Will Clark

“I enjoyed every bit of it. We wound up losing, but the experience was unbelievable. I came home with a silver medal. Coming into college, I'd have never thought I'd be on an Olympic team, much less coming home with a medal. It was pretty awesome.”

— Will Clark

What’s next

With momentum building for Major League players to potentially participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Clark's experience provides a unique perspective on what it means to represent the United States on the Olympic stage.

The takeaway

Clark's experience at the 1984 Olympics highlights the thrill and honor of playing for one's country, and the lasting impact it can have on a player's career. As the Olympics return to Los Angeles in 2028, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the special opportunity that awaits future generations of American baseball players.