June 27, 1973 - Twenty days after pitching his high school team to a state championship, Rangers' rookie David Clyde pitched five innings in the big show, striking out eight and allows just one hit in his first major league start as Texas defeated the Twins, 4-3.

A crowd of 35,698 fans, the first sellout at Arlington Stadium, witnessed the debut of the 18-year-old pitcher, a $125,000 bonus baby born in Kansas City, Kansas. But as it turned out, Clyde's major league debut was the highlight of his career.

During his senior year, David went 18-0, giving up a total of three earned runs in 148 innings. Unable to match those numbers in the majors, he pitched for parts of three seasons with Texas and Cleveland, until arm troubles forced his retirement.

Many of Clyde's troubles were attributed to the rush to get him into the majors before he was ready. This was due, in part, to the Rangers owner wanting to sell tickets. The team averaged 27,000 fans in Clyde's six home starts, but only 6,000 fans for the other 75 home dates!