Giants’ Clark Now Richest Player: $15-Million Deal

All-Star first baseman Will Clark became the richest player in baseball today with the signing of a four-year, $15-million contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Under terms of the contract, Clark will average $3.75 million per season, boosting him past the week-old record of $3.5 million belonging to Oakland Athletics’ pitcher Dave Stewart.

“It definitely overwhelms you to know that baseball has this much money,” said Clark during a news conference at Candlestick Park. “I did not get into it to try to rob the bank. I got into it because I love the game.”

Clark’s attorney, Jeffrey Moorad, noted that Clark also got the largest signing bonus in baseball history--$2 million. Moorad said Clark will make $4.25 million in the fourth year of the contract, “So Will becomes the first $4-million dollar player.”

“He plays like a Hall of Famer and he should be paid like one,” said Giants General Manager Al Rosen.

The left-handed batting Clark had probably his best season last year, when he finished with a .333 average, 23 home runs, 111 RBIs, 104 runs scored and 196 hits.