Yankees Pitcher Ken Clay, 2-Time World Series Champion, Dies

The right-handed pitcher won championships with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold brushstrokes of neon colors, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball pitcher in the midst of delivering a pitch.The dynamic energy and athleticism of Ken Clay's pitching style is captured in a vibrant, expressionist painting.Seattle Today

Ken Clay, a right-handed pitcher who won two World Series championships with the New York Yankees in the late 1970s, has died at the age of 71. Clay played for the Yankees from 1977 to 1979, as well as the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners, before retiring in 1981 with a 10-24 record and 4.68 ERA in 111 MLB games.

Why it matters

Clay was part of the Yankees' dominant teams in the late 1970s, winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1977 and 1978. His death marks the passing of a player who contributed to one of the most successful eras in Yankees history.

The details

As a right-handed pitcher, Clay saw action in three World Series games, allowing only one run in 3.2 innings across two appearances against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1977 World Series, which the Yankees won in six games.

  • Ken Clay died on March 26, 2026.
  • Clay played for the Yankees from 1977 to 1979.

The players

Ken Clay

A right-handed pitcher who won two World Series championships with the New York Yankees in 1977 and 1978, before playing for the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners and retiring in 1981.

New York Yankees

The professional baseball team that Ken Clay played for from 1977 to 1979, winning two World Series titles during that time.

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The takeaway

Ken Clay's passing marks the end of an era for the Yankees, as he was part of the team's dominant run in the late 1970s that included two World Series championships. His contributions to those championship teams will be remembered by Yankees fans.