Almost a year to the date, Max Clark was selected third overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. As a surprising pick to some, Clark came directly out of Franklin Community High School in Indiana. Throughout his high school career he dazzled fans and scouts alike, earning National Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 2023.
He finished his high school career with a .551 batting average, which included a .646 average his senior year. He hit 21 home runs in his three high school seasons and set the Indiana state record for walks his senior year with 52. He also helped lead Team USA 18U Baseball to a World Cup victory. Going into the 2023 Draft, Clark was viewed as five-tool, generational talent. While earning a reputation for a little flash and flare, he’s also known for being coachable and fan friendly. Tigers legends and Hall of Famer Alan Trammell talked openly to the Detroit Free Press about Clark’s persona.
“I don’t think we’ve had a player of his personality that’s been a Tiger” – Alan Trammell
Max Clark is social media sensation. He has 416k followers on Instagram, more than many current MLB stars. He’s also got his own signature series of Bruce Bolt batting gloves and gear. Do a quick Google search and you’ll find all kinds of fun content.
But how has Clark’s big personality matched up with his performance on the field this season? Actually, quite well.
Lakeland 2024
Max Clark has been with the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers this season, putting up some impressive numbers. He’s one of two Detroit prospects to earn his way into the MLB All-Star Futures Game. The other being Hao-Yu Lee of the Erie Sea Wolves. Be sure to check them out on July 13th at 4pm on MLB Network, MLB TV or MLB.com. Clark currently leads the Florida State League with 57 RBIs and 52 runs. He’s second overall in hits with 76 and tied for second in stolen bases with 25. He’s providing at a minor league level, exactly what the Tigers need in Detroit; hits, run production and speed. His speed and abilities also include his performance defensively. He and Riley Greene should make an exciting duo in the Tigers outfield.
Mental Toughness
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The Lakeland campaign didn’t start off as quickly as he would have liked. Clark went 0-11 to start the 2024 season. That combined with the chatter over the off-season that he was the wrong pick for the Tigers at #3, prompted Clark to debut a pair of custom cleats to address the arrows slung his way.
Max Clark has cleats for his haters!
The @Tigers‘ No. 1 prospect wears a red cleat on his left foot with real posts talking about how he was the wrong pick and will be a bust.
On the right, a blue shoe with words of praise and affirmation: https://t.co/QHhJ6gG3SB pic.twitter.com/PrsVeeygVQ
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 15, 2024
The cleats reveal some things about Clark’s character. Any athlete or high performer in the spotlight has to deal with criticism. How they respond to it is what matters. Clark isn’t pretending his naysayers don’t bother him, but he’s trying to channel this negativity in a productive way. He’s set out to prove them wrong. The other cleat reminds him on the positive things said about him, which likely reinforces his belief in his abilities. Also noticeable about Max Clark is he’s overt about his Christian faith. Both his X and Instagram account bios read “God fearing.” His pinned post on X is a verse from the book of Romans. Take a closer look at this Bible verse and it’s also revealing.
Roman 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”
As writers evaluate prospects we tend to focus primarily on the results on the field, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. The difference between a talented athlete and a superstar at the professional level is not talent alone. It requires a unique and superior commitment to excellence. It means you are willing to do more than others in order to succeed. As Yogi Berra once said,
“Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.”
What’s also noteworthy is that the 19 year old is engaged to his high school girlfriend. While this is certainly not the norm for modern times, it probably helps him avoid some of the off-field distractions many of his peers surely face. From what I have learned about Max Clark, I am inclined to believe he has the inner drive of an elite athlete, along with the talent to back it up.
The Road to Detroit
As Clark puts together a strong season in Lakeland, the real question for Tigers fans is when he can be expected to make his MLB debut? Based on the fact he’s still playing in Lakeland tells us the the Tigers aren’t rushing him. Perhaps this is the best strategy. When you look at what the Orioles did bringing up Jackson Holliday earlier this season, patience might be the answer.
Perhaps Clark will make the jump to High-A West Michigan before the end of the 2024 season. And maybe, he’ll be ready to start in Double-A Erie by next Spring. It’s hard to know. Based on what we are seeing from Max Clark this season in Lakeland, Tigers fans should be very optimistic, but also willing to let him develop. However, based on what we know about Clark, he’s not going to want Tigers fans to wait too long.
