Where are They Now? Sherard Clinkscales

Back in 1992, the KC Royals had four first round draft picks. With the 31st overall pick (and their third selection), the Royals selected one of the best names EVER. That would be Sherard Clinkscales, who was a right-handed pitcher out of Purdue. Unfortunately, he only lasted three seasons (two full seasons) due to injuries.

After signing in 1992, Clinkscales pitched in 12 games (11 starts) for rookie level Eugene. He had a 6.15 ERA. In 1993, he was in the Midwest League with Low-A Rockford. Despite a winning record (5-3), he had a 6.75 ERA in 20 games (13 starts). Though he allowed less hits (57) than innings pitched (61.1), he walked way more (83) than he struck out (46). Clinkscales also had eight balks and 13 wild pitches. On the positive side, he did not allow a home run.

1994 was Clinkscales’ last season of professional baseball and he split the year between the Gulf Coast League (11 games) and Rockford (14 games). Though he moved to the bullpen, the ERA was still high (5.85 combined) and he still walked (33) more than he struck out (27).

In 1997, Clinkscales became an area scouting supervisor for the Atlanta Braves before moving on to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999 to be their assistant director of scouting. Clinkscales was back with the Braves in 2001 as the area scouting supervisor again.

In 2006, he joined the Notre Dame baseball team as a coach for three seasons. He worked with the pitchers and was on the recruiting trail. Some of the pitchers he worked with were Chicago’s Jeff Samardzija, NY Yankees’ David Phelps, and former Boston draft  pick Kyle Weiland. Click HERE to read an interview with Clinkscales via Irish Eyes in 2006. Clinkscales resigned in September of 2009 to become the NCAA Assistant Director of Championships, covering Division II women’s lacrosse and Division III in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s ice hockey, and women’s lacrosse.

From there, Clinkscales moved on to NC State to become their Associate Director of Athletics in 2011. In January of 2012, he was promoted to Senior Associate AD for student services and sport administration. He is still employed at NC State.

While working in the above jobs since his playing career came to an end, Clinkscales started AfterSport Group in 2004. This organization aims to serve the 95% of student athletes who will never have careers in professional sports by helping them prepare for life after athletics.

Obviously, Clinscales has done well for himself. Click HERE to check out his full profile on LinkedIn.