"Ken offers a tremendous amount of knowledge through years

of hard work and experience, both professionally and at the amateur level."

~Matt Walbeck

Specializes in Hitting, Pitching, & Fielding

From the time he was a boy, Ken Clawson wanted to play pro baseball and achieved his goal through adversity, hard work and an unwavering determination that led him into pro ball right out of high school.

Having started high school at age 16, Clawson was told that he’d never get the chance to play Varsity Baseball. “I worked very hard to prove everyone wrong,” made the team and started as short stop. In the summer before his first season, Clawson met Pete Rose in the locker room at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. “He gave me the hat off his head and told me how important it was to eat right, get plenty of rest and never stop trying to get better,” inspiring Clawson to get to the next level.

In the fall of 1980 while caddying in a Celebrity Golf Tournament, someone in the crowd yelled, “Hey kid. Where did you get that Phillies hat?” After telling him “Pete Rose,” the man followed Clawson around the course. Turns out that man was Bill Avilla, scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, and when “I told him the story and how hard I’ve been training and my intention of playing professional baseball, Mr. Avilla began showing up to all of my games.” Before long, other scouts caught wind and 10 to 20 scouts would be at any given game.

Clawson with Ken Griffey Jr.

During his Junior year in high school, Clawson attended baseball camps held by Pro teams and wound up leading the Metro League in hitting. By his senior year, the scholarship offers were pouring in from reputable schools, and pro teams began pulling him from class. Clawson’s hard work was beginning to pay off and he continued to stay focused and work hard towards achieving his goals.

In early spring of Clawson’s senior year, his grandfather was in a fatal car accident on the way to one of his games. “I felt as though my world would never be the same.” Instead of letting this tragedy destroy his spirit, Clawson made the decision to dedicate the entire season to his #1 fan. “I remember this incredible ability to concentrate in every game. That was a magical season!”

Clawson lead the entire area in hitting at .542. and accepted Player Of The Year, and Sacramento Hall of Fame High School Baseball Player Of The Year! That June, he was drafted in the 10^th Round by the San Diego Padres. “All of a sudden, I was playing against Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Will Clark and Kirby Puckett—and turning double plays with teammate and future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar.”

Rangers 1987 Hitting ground balls in batting practice

For 3 seasons Clawson played short stop and third base, but had a yearning to pitch and at his first opportunity, proved to be worthy in that position. The following season, he converted to pitcher.

The best year in his professional career came in 1987 when he became the1st pick in the Supplementary Rule 5 Draft and headed to Florida for Spring Training with the Texas Rangers. By Winter of 1987, Clawson was released by the Rangers and for the first time out of work.

“It took most of my life working as hard as I could and making a lot of sacrifices along the way to get to where I was.

Staying there was even harder!”

Clawson in Italy

In the world of baseball there are always highs and lows and before long an amazing opportunity arose when Rangers scout, Rick Schroeder, recommended Clawson for an Italian team who was looking for a player who could hit well, play short stop and pitch.

Clawson fit the bill and became 1 of 2 Americans to play for the team. He played for 4 years in Italy, made a lot of friends and had many great life experiences.

“Overcoming adversities and learning multiple positions

allowed me to extend my career and play baseball

in other parts of the world that I would have never imagined!”

After retiring from baseball following the 1991 season, Clawson started working with kids and for the past 10 years has taught the fundamentals and sportsmanship of the game. Through more than 9,000 lessons and more than 100 camps.

Clawson has made it his goal to ensure that each kid receives the personal attention they deserve to not only better themselves on the field, but also in life.