Clay Hopper
Robert Clay Hopper
- Bats Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 178 lb.
- Born October 3, 1902 in Portersville, MS USA
- Died April 17, 1976 in Greenwood, MS USA
Biographical Information[edit]
As a player, Clay Hopper once hit four HR in one game for the Danville Veterans (St. Louis Cardinals farm club) of the Three-I League on July 17, 1927. Overall, he hit .331 in 1,280 games, with 1,418 hits, 262 2B, 124 3B, 125 HR, and 148 SB. Hopper had double digit 2B, 3B, HR, and SB in the same season 5 times.
In 1929, Hopper became a player-manager in the Cardinals' growing farm system with the Laurel Cardinals of the Cotton States League. His playing career ending in 1941, he stayed in the organization through 1942, where he had risen to the Houston Buffaloes. In 1943-1944, he wasn't managing in organized ball (military?). In 1945, Hopper moved to the Brooklyn Dodgers chain (following Papa Branch maybe?) with the Mobile Bears. He stayed in the organization through 1951, managing the Montreal Royals for 4 years and the St. Paul Saints for 2. Leaving farm systems, he managed the Portland Beavers from 1952-1955, then the Hollywood Stars for the Pirates in 1956. Overall his teams were 1916-1675 in 25 years.
Hopper was the manager for the Montreal Royals in 1946 when Jackie Robinson entered the Dodgers' system. He was named Minor League Manager of the Year that season after guiding Montreal to first place in the International League. In 2009 he was elected to the International League Hall of Fame.
Year-by-Year Managerial Record[edit]
Also see: Minor League Wins by a Manager
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