Yankees’ Bold Gamble on Injured Clarke Schmidt Pays Off with ALCS Opportunity
The story of Clarke Schmidt is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. Back in April 2017, as a star pitcher at the University of South Carolina, Schmidt faced a crushing setback: a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. At the time, he was expected to be a top MLB Draft pick, with dreams of a major-league career looming large. The surgery meant a year of recovery, and the uncertainty that followed was overwhelming.
Schmidt, however, refused to be defeated by the news. Within an hour of hearing the diagnosis, his mindset had already shifted. He told his coach, Chad Holbrook, “I’ll attack this thing and be fine.” That positive attitude and work ethic became the foundation for what was to come.
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Fast forward to October 2024, and Schmidt is now gearing up to start Game 3 of the American League Championship Series for the New York Yankees. It's a critical game, with the Yankees holding a 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Guardians and a chance to advance to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Schmidt's journey to this point has been far from easy, but it’s been a testament to the belief the Yankees had in him when they drafted him 16th overall, despite his injury.
Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees' director of amateur scouting, recalls how Schmidt's character played a crucial role in their decision. Even though Schmidt was injured, the Yankees had scouted him extensively, noting not only his talent but also his mental toughness. His background, including a family of strong figures—his father a Marine pilot and his brother a cancer survivor—suggested he had the grit to overcome adversity.
Schmidt's rise through the Yankees' ranks wasn't immediate. He dealt with setbacks, but by 2020, he was showing flashes of brilliance, impressing manager Aaron Boone with his confidence and swagger. Last season, he solidified his spot in the Yankees’ rotation, and this year, despite missing three months due to injury, he posted impressive numbers when healthy.
Now, as he prepares to face the Guardians again, Schmidt has a chance to rewrite a difficult chapter. In the 2022 ALDS, he was thrust into a tough situation and gave up a game-winning hit in Cleveland. That moment stayed with him, but instead of dwelling on the disappointment, Schmidt viewed it as a learning experience. He’s eager to take the mound again, this time with more experience and the opportunity to silence the doubters.
His faith, both in himself and his abilities, has been unwavering. Schmidt’s journey from a promising college pitcher sidelined by injury to a key figure in the Yankees’ postseason run exemplifies how persistence, hard work, and a positive mindset can lead to incredible success. On Thursday, all eyes will be on him as he looks to bring the Yankees one step closer to the World Series—just like he envisioned all those years ago.
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