MLBPA names former player Tony Clark union leader

Scott Boeck | USA TODAY Sports

The Major League Baseball Players Association has named Tony Clark executive director. He succeeds Michael Weiner, who died Nov. 22 after a 15-month battle with brain cancer.

"We find ourselves in a place we wish we hadn't," Clark said in a conference call with news reporters. "I am very humbled and very appreciative of the support of the players."

His appointment is pending a vote by the general membership.

Clark, who played 15 seasons in the majors, is the first former player to lead the union.

In July, he was given the title of deputy executive director, a newly created position. He joined the staff in March 2010 as director of player relations.

"I expected to be tied to the hip with Michael for 20 years," Clark said. "He rides off into the sunset, I ride off into the sunset, we ride off into the sunset, having, Lord willing, affected the game positively. Blown away, yes. Humbled, yes. Excited to carry on the vision that Michael put into place, yes. ... Focused, not just now but going forward on what we stand for, who we are and how we've arrived at the place we've arrived? Blown away, yes."

Clark played for six teams from 1995 to 2009, with stops with the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees. The 2001 All-Star batted .262 with 251 home runs.