Catching Up With Philip Clarke

Former Vandy baseball standout updates life and career

by Andrew Maraniss

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Part of an ongoing series, VUCommodores.com catches up with former Vanderbilt baseball standout Philip Clarke.

Clarke, selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, hit .300 in 126 career games for the Commodores. The catcher drove in 101 runs during his two-year career.

Clarke recently took some time for a Q&A to update his life and career: 

VUCommodores.com: What is your occupation these days?

Clarke: “Catcher in Toronto Blue Jays organization.”

How has COVID-19 affected you and your family?

“All of my siblings are back in the house. Everyone is working from home and trying to stay safe.”

What has been the hardest adjustment?

“Trying to stay in shape and ready to play with limited resources.”

What has been the most pleasant surprise in these circumstances?

“Getting to spend time with my siblings all together for the first time in about five years.”

Any good books, movies or games to recommend?

“The Netflix series Ozark has been keeping me occupied.”

What was your all-time favorite moment as a Commodore?

“Winning a National Championship.”

What do you miss most in the sports world right now?

“March Madness and the Masters crushed me. I also just miss being with my teammates and starting a new season.”

Any advice or words of wisdom to Commodore Nation to help us get through this?

“Focus on the things that are certain in your life. Work on the relationships that you may overlook during the normalcy of life. And watch sports re-runs.”