Clark Likely to Undergo Surgery

Tony Clark, laid up this summer because of back problems but still hopeful of playing basketball for San Diego State this season, will likely undergo surgery Tuesday for a herniated disc.

Clark, who has been unable to play minor league baseball for single-A Niagara Falls this summer, said he will meet his doctors Monday and, assuming they decide to perform surgery, will probably schedule the surgery for Tuesday.

“I’m hoping this will finally be it,” said Clark, who hurt his back last November while playing for the University of Arizona. Clark transferred from Arizona last winter and will be eligible to play basketball for the Aztecs the day after the fall semester ends.

Clark has undergone extensive rehabilitation since his injury. He suffered a setback last week, though, and again met with doctors.

He said surgery would be a relief.

“In a big sense,” he said. “Before, I was living day by day, wondering if this was the day it was going to go out. I was always going through rehab, wondering.”

Clark, the Detroit Tigers’ No. 1 pick in the major league baseball draft in June, 1990, said doctors have told him he will be able to resume normal activity within four to six weeks after surgery.