How Will Clark helped Bart get through ‘highs and lows’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Giants legend Will Clark understands the pressure catcher Joey Bart has dealt with since San Francisco took the Georgia Tech product No. 2 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft.
The Giants also drafted the 58-year-old with the No. 2 selection in the 1985 MLB Draft, so Clark knows the superstar expectations Bart has to meet after a team invests a pick that high in the draft.
Bart joined KNBR’s “Papa & Lund” on Friday and discussed the mentorship role Clark has played on the team since San Francisco retired his No. 22 on July 30.
“He cares about us, and he wants to talk to us, and there’s been a lot of nights where we get together with him, and we hang out, and we talk baseball and talk, whatever else that comes up, and just have a good time and enjoy his presence and his experiences,” Bart said.
“There’s just stuff that you don’t get for a lot of your life. You get to be around guys like Will and Barry. You just got to take advantage of that. That’s something that I’ve been very thankful for.”
Furthermore, Bart added that Clark took him under his wing after the Giants drafted the catcher four years ago. For the 25-year-old, the expectations are to be an All-Star catcher and receive the baton from Buster Posey, who retired after the 2021 MLB season.
As a result, Clark has seen the personal adversity Bart has dealt with trying to reach the major leagues and fill Posey’s shoes as the everyday catcher.
“He’s just been there for me since I got drafted, the highs and lows,” Bart added. “He’s been there for me, and it’s always and very transparent about that.
“So I have nothing but respect for Will, and hopefully, he’ll make his way back out sooner or later, and I’ll get to catch back up with him soon.”
Although Clark has been a mentor this season for the Giants, it doesn’t mean that the former player won’t shy away from criticizing his former team.
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On Wednesday, Clark called out the Giants for their optional batting practice rule, considering that the team is ranked 22nd in the league in batting average (.234). Although a mentor is there to guide, Clark has ensured some tough love to go with his life lessons this season.
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