Longtime MLB shortstop "Rolls Royce" Clayton is the epitome of major league journeyman. In his 17 seasons in the majors, Clayton played for 12 franchises. He started off with the San Francisco Giants, then went to St. Louis(where he had his lone All-Star appearance in 1997), then to Texas, then to the Chicago White Sox then a few brief stints in Milwaukee, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, Cincinnati, Toronto and Boston. I even think he played on one of MTV's Rock N Jock teams.
Clayton's best season came in his aforementioned All-Star '97 campaign with the Cardinals. That year, he hit a pedestrian .266 with 9 home runs, 61 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Nicknamed "Rolls Royce" for his speedy wheels, Clayton stole 231 bags in his career. Despite playing in the Steroids Era though, Clayton had as much of power stroke as Abe Vigoda, hitting 110 homers in 17 years. Simply put, he makes Rafael Belliard look like Alex Rodriguez. Clayton was known for his charm and his flashy glove. He was one of the few players daring enough to wear micro-braids(Remember, this is long before the Williams sisters) and you would often see Clayton on Sportscenter catching air while turning two and just narrowly avoiding getting his eye taken out by one of his dreads. For the most part though, Royce was just a notable name on a lineup card. He was never much to talk about. Hell, he's not even the most famous Royce anymore. Google the name Royce and you'll find Clayton behind MMA fighter Royce Gracie and one-hit wonder rapper Royce Da 5'9.
Regardless, let's give a warm welcome to a relative never-was.....the poor man's Mark Lemke....Royce Clayton, everybody!
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