Ultimate Mets Database - Memories of Clyde McCullough

THE ULTIMATE METS DATABASE IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE NEW YORK METS OR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.

- All-Time Roster Every Met player... EVER!
- Mug Shots The pretty ones and the ugly ones -- we have them all!
- Player Awards Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame, and more.
- Transactions Over a thousand player transactions -- in chronological order!
- Managers & Coaches The men who have led the Mets, and the men who helped them.
- Mets Staff Executives, General Managers, Broadcasters, and more. (And Jane Jarvis too!)
- Birth Places Perfect for planning your Mets pilgrimages!
- Oldest Living Mets See which Mets players have spent the most time walking the Earth.
- Necrology Mets players and personnel who are no longer with us.

- Game Results
  All the wins, all the losses. Includes box scores and score cards!
- Opening Day
  The first day of each season! See the starting lineups, who started at each position year-by-year, and leaders by position.
- Walkoff Wins & Losses
  Interactively search for the happiest and saddest endings to Mets games.
- Postseason Games How the Mets have fared in the games that count the most!
- No-Hitters & One-Hitters See a list of every no-hitter and one-hitter pitched by the Mets, or against them. One of these categories was frustratingly empty for over fifty years, but not anymore!
- All-Star Games Mets who have appeared in baseball's Mid-Summer Classic
- Opponents & Ballparks See the Mets won-lost record against every team, and in every ballpark in which they've played!
- Daily Standings What was the Mets' pennant outlook on any given day in past seasons?
- Yearly Finishes The heights and the depths: the Mets won-lost record at the end of each season.
- Mayor's Trophy Games A look back at the long-ago annual series between the Mets and their Bronx rivals.

- Leaderboards Career, season, and individual game leaders at your fingertips!
- Team Leaders Players who led the Mets in various categories, from season to season.
- Decade Leaders Mets history broken down into ten-year chunks!
- Post-Season Leaders Mets leaders, by category, in post-season games

- Ultimate Mets Scrapbook The history of the Mets, as it was reported when it happened!
- Forum Visit the Crane Pool Forum to discuss the Mets and just about anything else!
- Fan Memories Insightful. Poignant. Thrilling. Somber. Nutty. Our visitors have submitted thousands of thoughts and memories of the Mets and the games they've played.
- Mets Uniforms It's more than just laundry! Trace the evolution of the Mets official uniform over the years.
- Uniform Numbers In association with Mets By the Numbers, we present a full history of who wore what number, and when!/li>
- Baseball Cards Our collection of home-made baseball cards, in the style of the classic Topps cards of the 1970's.
- This Date in Mets History Births, Deaths, Transactions, Newspaper Covers

- Contact Us
- FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Scrapbook
Articles

Memories of
Clyde McCullough

Clyde McCullough

Clyde Edward McCullough
Born: March 4, 1917 at Nashville, Tenn.
Died: September 18, 1982 at San Francisco, Cal. Obituary
Throws: Right Bats: Right
Height: 5.11 Weight: 180

Clyde McCullough was the most popular Ultimate Mets Database daily lookup on May 14, 2011, and September 18, 2012.

Non-playing roles with Mets

Coach 1963

Share your memories of Clyde McCullough

HERE IS WHAT OTHER METS FANS HAVE TO SAY:

Kevin C. Delahanty, MD
September 1, 2004
This guy was the manager of the NY-Penn League Auburn Mets in the early '60s, when Danny Napoleon jumped from single A ball to the Majors. He was a god in my home town, as were most of the team. I am suddenly reminded of a publicity ploy to get fannies in the seats of Falcon Park. An old rust- bucket of a car, covered with Mets logos, used to slowly drive through town with a hugh speaker on the roof. Someone in the car, a player I suppose, reminded the citizens of an impending game later in the day. This is a great website. I'm on call today & have been laughing my head off reading everyone's comments. Occasionally a tear of reminiscence. What is it about baseball that does this to people?

Jonathan Stern
September 8, 2004
McCullough was a teammate of Ralph Kiner's on one of the all-time worst baseball teams, the 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (and you thought the Mets owned a monopoly on laughable losers). McCullough was not only a character and a quotemeister, he was one of the very few veterans on a team so young, GM Branch Rickey's master plan was nicknamed "Operation Peach Fuzz." The '52 Pirates (42-112) provided another veteran teammate, Joe Garogiola, with a lifetime of banquet jokes, and was also the first to wear batting helmets - amidst much snickering from opposing players, few of whom felt inclined to throw at such a pathetic bunch of green never-would-be's. However, unlike "Operation Peach Fuzz," this latter Rickey experiment worked.
Not that it did anything to improve team morale. When asked if these helmets would be better if they had foam rubber in them, McCullough replied that they would be better if there were ballplayers in them.

steve "scooter" smith
February 12, 2006
I played for Clyde with the Auburn Mets in 1965 and '66, in the NYP league, and the Durham Bulls in the Carolina League in '67. Auburn had the better team with guys like Jerry Koosman, Kenny Boswell, Greg Goosen, Jim McAndrew, Dan Frisella, Billy Wynne, Jimmy Dix, etc. Clyde was some character and one tough SOB! He did not have much formal education but he was as street smart as anyone. A rough, tough, guy if necessary, but totally capable of charming anyone who was lucky enough to meet him.
I had not seen Clyde for fourteen years, but I called him when I was on my honeymoon in Va. Beach, (he lived in Norfolk), and before I even had a chance to tell him who was calling, he said this is "Scooter" isn't it? and met us in less than 45 minutes in our hotel bar. It was so great to see Clyde again and I realized just how much I loved the guy and how lucky I was to have played for him. Seeing Clyde's photo on this website rekindles those warm feelings all over again.

Joe Figliola
February 24, 2006
I used to get him confused with Clyde McPhatter. When I was a kid, I always thought it was cool that the guy who sang "Lover, Please" was in baseball. Such was the case back then.

George Gerdes
August 20, 2006
Clyde McCullough is remembered with love in two books about James Dean. One is the forthcoming "Surviving James Dean" by William Bast. The other is "Dizzy & Jimmy" by Liz Sheridan. Both detail the accounts of a cold October night in 1952 when Clyde graciously stopped to give the freezing three of them (Jimmy, Dizzy & Bill) a ride all the way from New Jersey to Fairmount, Indiana in his old Nash Rambler. The young unknown James Dean, being a solid baseball fan, was positively thrilled to wind up being chauffeured by the Pittsburgh Pirates great catcher. 1952 was Clyde's best year in the Majors and his unconditional generosity left an inedilible impression on all three of the then "starving artists." Check it out.

David
August 23, 2006
I was the play by play announcer of the Auburn Mets in 1964, 1965, and 1966. I learned so much baseball from Clyde.
I used to make out his lineup cards every day and I used to transcribe his Scouting Reports to New York.
I know Clyde only got through the 3rd or 4th grade in Tennesee, and after a year or so it became apparent to me that Clyde could not write. He often would say it was all the broken fingers he got behind the plate that kept him from writing. (I just agreed).
I marveled at the way he reached young players and could teach them.
Tug McGraw briefly in 64 and Jerry Koosman, Jim McAndrew, Bob Johnson, Jim Bethke, Jerry Lampe, Steve Chilcott, Kenny Boswell, Danny Napoleon and one of his favorites Greg "Granny Goose" Goosen in the ensuing years.
Clyde was one of the most generous people I ever met both in the time he gave to people and the many times I saw him help folks out financially.

Jamey Bumbalo
October 14, 2006
He played in the majors for 16 years, and was regarded as one of the toughest ballplayers ever.

david
October 22, 2006
The story of how tough Clyde was was told to me by his friend Bob Scheffing of the Mets. During the 40's Clyde was in a bar with other players when he came across Clyde "Bulldog" Turner of the Bears. Bulldog I believe was a Center and considered by most at that time as the toughest man in Pro Football.
Well they clashed and all the smart money was on Turner to clean Clyde Mac's clock. Well in short order Turner was on the floor in a heap and Clyde was crowned the toughest Clyde in Chicago. True? I don't know. But that is the story that was told to me. I knew Clyde well and he was one tough guy.

Michelle
January 6, 2007
Clyde McCullough was my great uncle. I have few memories of him although, the ones I do have are very precious. He was a kind, gentle and loving man. I was scared to death of him I remember. Meeting a celebrity and all back then.
He was just an average everyday family member when he visited us in Nashville though. My son has a baseball that he gave to me which I in turned passed onto him. I also have a framed picture of him in his Cubs uniform with his stats and his autograph. It has a certificate of Authenticity with it also. It was taken in his younger days though.
He was my grandfather's brother and out of all of them he lived the longest. My grandfather died when I was 5 and Uncle Clyde died when I was a teen. The funeral (which I did not attend) from what I hear was beautiful. Aunt Ann was a very sweet LADY and let me tell you she was a lady. My family misses him and knows that he is in a better place now. God Bless and keep you Unc, we love you. Michelle

pete hamner
September 7, 2007
I met Clyde in spring training of 75. He was just a warm hearted, positive guy. He'd always say "it's a good day to be alive." I went to the Appalachian league that year and one of the road trips was to Bluefield, WV. I'll never forget....I walked into the ratty old locker room and Clyde has this 25 year old pinned up against the wall and had drawn back on him. "You're messin' with the wrong s.o.b, partner," he was saying. If I hadn't walked in Clyde would have popped him. Apparently the guy had run his mouth to Clyde. He was a tough ol' bird that Clyde. He always had a smile and always had a story.

William Benton McCullough
October 20, 2007
I was born in 1940 and my daddy was Samuel L. McCullough. Sammy had two brothers, Hershal, Nolly. His youngest brother was Clyde McCullough. In those years Clyde was a catcher for the Cubs. I remember when I was about 6 my whole family went to Chicago and I watched him hit two home runs in the same game and another was hit to the vine fence.
I know he later went to the Pirates and then was a super scout for the Mets. He then was a coach in the International Leage. He was the coach of the year several years in a row. Clyde then went to the San Diego Padres and was the yooky coach and the bench coach. There is a bronze of him on the dugout wall.
Clyde died while there and the team paid for the funeral. They paid for the whole family to go to Norfork, Va. All expenses travel, hotel and food. The team bought Anne, Clyde's wife, a new Caddy. I have very good thoughts for that team. I think that no other team would have.
I loved my uncle SO much and I will always miss him.

Cliff McWilliams
November 21, 2007
In 1963 and 1964 I played for the Auburn Mets under Clyde McCullough. It was a time in my baseball life I will always remember. Clyde took me under his wing because I was also a catcher. I have been entertaining friends for many years with my "Clyde" stories. He was a one of a kind person.
As an 18-year-old catcher I was in awe of Clyde and always wanted to make him proud of me, but in one game he was not too proud of me. We were in the last inning with the winning run on third base and Clyde called time out and instructed us to walk the next batter. Unfortunately for me I let the fourth pitch hit off my glove and the winning run scored on the passed ball. I felt so bad and was the last person to take a shower that night. When I went into the shower there was Clyde and I knew he was not happy. He looked at me and proceeded to start throwing soap bars at me saying that we could win a game if I had a f-ing catcher that could catch. I never had another passed ball the rest of the year.
Love ya Clyde and I will never forget you.

kim mccullough
April 20, 2009
Clyde McCullough was my grandaddy. I miss him. I brought him to show and tell once at Hermitage Elementary in Virginia Beach.

William Benton McCullough Sr.
August 18, 2009
I have read accounts that Clyde McCullough could not read or write. Clyde was my Daddy's brother. My Daddy was named Samuel L. McCullough and I am William B. McCullough Sr. and I know that Clyde graduated from Hume Fog High School and was in the Navy for two years during the war. He got to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and he could not have done either without knowing how to read or write.

Kevin C. Delahanty, MD
May 13, 2010
Just finished reading a novel wherein Clyde McCullough is mentioned! It's titled "Every Shape, Every Shadow. A Novel of Guadalcanal" by Roger Conlee. The protagonist is daydreaming while sailing to Guadalcanal and, to pass the time, tried to imagine the line-up of his favorite team, the Cubs. Mr. McCullough is mentioned as the catcher.
Cool.

Barbara Ann Jernigan-Helton
August 9, 2010
Clyde McCullough was my grandfather. His son (step), David A Jernigan Jr. is my father. I knew my granddaddy was a ballplayer, played for and coached some awsome teams. To us, however, he was simply "granddaddy". I loved going to Norfolk on summer/Christmas break; seeing him and my Grandma Ann. He would let me sit beside him tucked under one of those massive arms and watch baseball with him as he cussed the screen and told hours of stories. I was in awe! He played a fierce game of cards too. He and my Nannie would sit around the table and play for hours. He loved the game and he loved his family equally. I love all these posts and memories; I think it's great he was so loved and respected by others.

Kevin McLaughlin
March 5, 2011
As a Mets fan since I was 7 (1968), I have many memories of players, coaches, games, etc, and I've enjoyed this website for years. However, I don't remember Mr. McCullough, as he was a Mets coach when I was 2. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who did know Mr. McCullough, and shared you wonderful memories of him. I feel like I know him, and that I am the better for it. Thanks.

steve
October 19, 2011
"I don't understand it, damn it Clyde, every time you play me I get three hits! I got three hits again last night and I'm riding the pine tonight? What the hell's going on?"
"You get three hits every time I play you right?"
"Uh ... I guess so."
"WELL ALL RIGHT THEN!!! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE!"
What a guy he was! Tough and lovable all in one! No way to beat that logic. Love ya, Clyde!

clyde randall mccullough sr. [randy]]
December 15, 2011
Clyde was my namesake. My daddy was his older brother Sammy.
I remember he visited us and we would go to Norfolk at the old place then Virginia Beach when I was small. He always wanted me to sit with him or in his lap when I was real little. I loved him so much. He always brought me something when he visited.
I was 16 the last time I saw him and believe it or not I backed into his new Grand Prix on my way out to school. I thought I was dead. My dad got mad but Uncle Clyde shook his head put his arm around me and told me, "Honey, don't let this ruin your day. It ain't gonna ruin mine." I felt so bad. I talked to him many times after that. He always would gig me about the car and laugh like hell.
I was proud he got to see my oldest son before he died and of course he said, "That boy is a lefty. He'll be good at ball." I know my Aunt Ann loved him so much. I MISS YOU UNCLE

david vivenzio
May 16, 2018
I am a life long resident of Auburn, NY. Yankee fan..boo right..? Reading these texts of Clyde McCullough and the Auburn Mets. As a young child driving around town with my grandparents seeing that old 40s looking car with the big Mets emblem on the side as Dr Delahanty wrote. Great memories. RIP Clyde. By the way, my first major league game: 1970, world champion Mets v. Cubs. Sunday doubleheader. Game 1 starter Tom Seaver. Game 2 starter Nolan Ryan. Wow.