Clay Dalrymple played 12 seasons in the Majors, all with the Phillies (1960-1968) and the Orioles (1969-1971). Clay was the Phils' primary catcher through the '60s, hitting .233 with 50 home runs in 1,006 games. Gene Mauch appreciated Clay as a "thinking catcher," despite his light offensive numbers.Clay was traded to the Baltimore Orioles following the 1968 season for Ron Stone. In his 3 seasons as the back-up to the back-up (Andy Etchebarren backed up the Orioles' primary catcher, Ellie Hendricks), he played in only 73 games. In the 1969 World Series, Clay pinch-hit twice, going 2 for 2.
Clay was a favorite Phillie of mine when I used to go to Connie Mack Stadium (Shibe Park) in the 60's before Vet Stadium. Clay was prematurely bald and always wore a hat except when he had to rip off his catcher's helmit for a pop-up exposing his shiny dome. That was always good for a loud roar from the home crowd.
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