McKendree University Athletics

In addition to starring as the center on the 1960-61 Bearcat Basketball team, Leonard “Itch” Clendenin ’64 was the superb pitcher on the baseball team, which finished the 1960-61 season 19-4. During that season, he pitched a no hitter. His earned run average for the nine games in the spring was .94. Leonard was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 1961.

Leonard signed a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and played seven years (1961-67) in the minor leagues-working his way to the Phillies Triple A Little Rock, Arkansas team without ever being traded. While at Little Rock he fanned 100 batters in 140 innings. He was brought to the Phillies training camp for five years before injuring his shoulder.