Hurdle Hits Sweet Spot In Life After Baseball

Former Pittsburgh Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle has all his bases covered. At the ripe young age of 64, Hurdle is rediscovering what life at home full-time is all about.

"Being in uniform for 45 years is a very long time," said Hurdle during a phone conversation this week. "There have been many wonderful highs, awards, and last-place finishes."

Hurdle, who piloted the Pittsburgh Pirates during his last MLB managerial gig for nine seasons, easily points to the relationships he earned during his career with much pride. Last in Pirates' gold and black for the 2019 season, there are many relationships that Hurdle holds dearest. During our conversation, and from what I observed during a brief meeting in downtown Bradenton, Hurdle is a glass-half-full kind of guy. He sees the good in people.

Settled in Manatee County along Florida's Gulf Coast, "Mr. Mom" is a more accurate title for the Kansas City Royals' top draft selection in 1975. Skip or skipper, tags players equate with their leader in the dugout is now far back in Hurdle's rearview mirror–by choice.

Combine a decade ('77-'87) of playing service for four clubs, followed by decades more teaching others what it takes to be a major leaguer, it wouldn't be a stretch to wonder what level of withdrawal the former catcher-third baseman-first baseman has/is going through. Surprisingly, symptoms of disconnecting from the game that he carved a successful career from are absent.

"I've never had any withdrawal. I gave it (baseball) all I had when in uniform. The last two years, I've been home 98 percent of the time," says Hurdle, the 2013 National League Manager of the Year. When I retired, both my kids at home were 16-years-old and 14-years-old. During the last 15 months, I've found a rhythm at home."

During Hurdle's nine seasons managing the Pirates, and before that eight seasons as the Colorado Rockies field manager ('02-'09), plus shoehorned a season ('10) as the Texas Rangers' hitting coach, he estimates having been away from home eight months out of each year. Even when home during the season, two weeks out of each month Hurdle and the club he was leading were on the road.

There's no guesswork in who skippered the Hurdle household during his time in uniform.

Karla Hurdle, Clint's wife of more than 20 years, is the glue that has kept her family grounded and on schedule.

"I see my family like a band," surmises Hurdle." My wife has been the lead singer. Me, I just want to be the bass guitarist.

There's an air of calm when speaking with Hurdle. Pressures of guiding a ball club, and forming them into a successful unit is gone. Carrying around that responsibility of a brand; an organization has its highs and lows. For Hurdle, the Pirate clubs he hasn't skippered during the past two MLB seasons didn't experience much success in the National League Central standings. 2020 and 2021 saw Pittsburgh finish in fifth place in the Central, with this past season's squad losing 101 games.

Away from the grueling responsibilities of driving and jetting to stadiums from spring to fall, Hurdle tells of experiencing a more relaxed approach to life.

"Mentally, I'm carrying a lighter load. I wanted more out of life. Now, when I put my head on pillow at night, it's mostly all good," tells Hurdle of "civilian" life.

There's no official decree that prohibits Hurdle from appearing at a ballpark or even following friends and players he's been associated with on TV. Hurdle is out of uniform but baseball will always be in his blood.

LECOM Park, over on 9th Street West in Bradenton, is where Hurdle spent his Pirates' spring training years. He is quick to remind that many friends who work for the Pirates at the ballpark that are "good men." There is no fear to go to see a Pirates spring game or a Marauders game (Pirates' Florida State League Class-A affiliate) when asked.

Hurdle's quiet time each morning can include combing through various websites, in order to catch up on certain individuals whose paths he has crossed over the years.

"I've not watched probably five full games this past season. But, I love the playoffs," explains Hurdle.

With the Atlanta Braves in the World Series, Hurdle rattles off several names from that club who he sounds excited for.

"The team with the best pitching should win it," declares Hurdle. "They (Braves) have the most experienced coaching staff. Manager Brian Snitker, bench coach Walt Weiss, and first base coach Eric Young, Sr., I have history with them all."

Aside from loving stories tied to the game of baseball, strike up a conversation about NASA, and you have Hurdle's attention. Clint's dad, Clinton Hurdle worked at the Kennedy Space Center at Merritt Island. Clinton, Sr. was a member of the launch team and oversaw a staff of 300-plus. There were many "wild times" for the future baseball player observing launches, while on Cocoa Beach.

"It looks easy, but it's not," according to Hurdle of the Space Shuttle lift-offs.

One cause near and dear for Hurdle that remains a year-round priority is serving the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association. For the last 18 years, he has been the association's national spokesman. There is an annual fundraiser (most recently on Anna Maria Island) locally, where through Hurdle's time and generosity funds are collected for support services.

The Hurdles have a special needs teenage daughter who was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Outwardly, Hurdle seems at peace. When speaking, it's easy to become increasingly jealous of his retirement aura. Not everyone can be in control of their destiny. Good days and bad times, in the minor leagues, participating in three different Worlds Series as a player, manager, and coach, bus rides, and charter flights, life hasn't always been a party for Hurdle. Today, his person screams Auld Lang Syne, with no regrets.