Recently, Baseball Canada.ca caught up with Stubby Clapp, the second baseman of Baseball Canada’s 2004 Olympic team. To learn more about Stubby and his recent thoughts, simply read below.
BC: What have you been doing since the end of the season?
Clapp: Taking care of my son and just playing Mr. Mom while enjoying my life. My brother-in-law (Chad Harville, a pitcher with the Houston Astros) and I will also run a baseball camp over the Christmas holidays for kids aged 8-13 years in Savannah (Tenn.), extending our experience to the youngsters of the baseball world.
BC: What was your most memorable experience of the Olympics?
Clapp: I would have to say Opening Ceremonies and, unfortunately, that last catch (in a semi-final against Cuba which ended the game in an 8-5 loss for Canada). That moment still sticks a lump in my throat and makes me sick to my stomach.
BC: You are a very popular player in Canada – one who is synonymous with Canadian baseball and regarded as a great ambassador for the game in this country. What makes you such a likeable player?
Clapp: Well, thank you for that compliment. It’s crazy that I would be thought of like that. I’m flattered. I suppose my name and size (5’8”) are reasons. It’s just as easy to talk to me as it is to anyone else. Being put on a pedestal, you can be a prima donna or appreciate it and remember where you came from. I prefer to appreciate where I came from.
BC: Who was your favorite team and player growing up?
Clapp: My favorite team was Lanny’s softball team in Windsor (Ont.). It was a competitive men’s recreational league team that won the national championship. My dad was my favorite player, by far. He played the game with passion and he showed me how to have fun and enjoy the game for what it was without getting too stressed out about it.
BC: What will you be doing next year?
Clapp: Hopefully playing another year of baseball. It’s been a long, hard period of thinking but I’ve decided not to retire. It’s tough letting go of something you love so much. When you still have the desire and the ability to play, it’s even tougher and I’d like to give it another whirl… but it will be tough leaving my wife and child behind.
Bonus Question
BC: Will you ever be involved with Baseball Canada again?
Clapp: I would definitely have to say yes. Whether it’s playing, coaching or whatever else I could do – 100 % yes. The program has done unbelievable wonders for me.
Stubby Clapp currently lives in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Chastity, and their son, Cooper. He has played for Baseball Canada’s national teams in 1991 (junior) and 1994, ’99 and 2003-04 (senior).
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