Definition
Clayton Richard (born July 30, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Overview
Richard was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 12th round of the 2007 MLB Draft after attending the University of South Carolina, where he played college baseball for the Gamecocks. He made his MLB debut with the Brewers on May 22, 2013. Over his career, Richard appeared in 38 major‑league games (including 3 starts), posting a win–loss record of 5–6 and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.70, with 84 strikeouts. He spent the majority of his professional tenure in the minor leagues, pitching for affiliates such as the Nashville Sounds (Triple‑A) and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Richard’s final MLB appearance occurred on September 30, 2017. He retired from professional baseball in 2020.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Clayton” is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning “clay settlement.” The surname “Richard” originates from the Germanic personal name Ric(h)hard, composed of the elements ric (“ruler, power”) and hard (“brave, hardy”).
Characteristics
- Pitching repertoire: Primarily a right‑handed fastball pitcher, Richard’s fastball typically sat in the low‑to‑mid 90 mph range. He complemented it with a slider and a changeup, which he utilized to generate ground balls and strikeouts.
- Role: While primarily used as a relief pitcher at the major‑league level, Richard made occasional spot starts, reflecting versatility in the bullpen and rotation.
- Injury history: Throughout his career, Richard experienced several injuries, including shoulder discomfort that limited his playing time during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
- Statistical highlights: In the 2013 season, he posted a 3.21 ERA over 38⅔ innings pitched, and in 2015 he recorded a career‑best 0.38 ERA over 23⅔ innings, albeit in a limited sample.
Related Topics
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Milwaukee Brewers franchise
- Pitching statistics (ERA, WHIP, strikeouts)
- Minor League Baseball (MiLB) affiliates
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks baseball program
All information presented reflects data available from reputable sports records and biographical sources up to 2023.