Michael "Pinball" Clemons '87

In the rich 134-year history of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, there are many football heroes who have brought pride to the city of Toronto and the "Double Blue" but it is difficult to find a more popular name in team history than Michael "Pinball" Clemons '87.

The man they call "Pinball" officially took over the coaching reins of the Argonauts for the second time on December 17, 2002. After guiding the team to its first playoff appearance in three years, when he took over as head coach from Gary Etcheverry on an interim basis for the second half of the 2002 season, Clemons earned recognition as a finalist for CFL Coach of the Year honors, an honour he has repeated in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Born and raised in Florida, Clemons began his career in the CFL in 1989 after a brief stint in the National Football League. As a player, Clemons compiled a brilliant CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts, including a pro-football record for most career combined yards with 25,396. On Sept. 15, 2000, Pinball hung up his Double Blue jersey after 12 seasons to move directly into the position of head coach. He retired with 12 all-time team records to his credit, including career receptions (682). In 2004, Clemons led the team to its first Grey Cup victory since 1997, his first as head coach.

Clemons starred at running back at the College, and also returned punts. In 1986, he rushed for 1,118 yards (which ranks 8th on the all-time for rushing at William and Mary) and was named a first-team All American. Clemons also holds the second (73 in 1986) and third-place (70 in 1985) records for receptions. He was inducted into the William and Mary Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2006, Coach Clemons became the second winningest coach in Argo history with 57 wins, second only to Bob O'Billovich. Clemons' Argos clinched their fifth consecutive playoff berth, tied with Leo Cahill for the second-longest streak by a head coach in team history. He is also in fourth place in Argo history for most playoff appearances by an Argonauts head coach with five.

Known for a personality that is as electric as his style of play on the field was, Clemons has been recognized by many organizations for his tireless work with charities, schools and other community groups. In 2005, he was an integral part of launching The Argos Foundation - Stop The Violence. In Feb. 2006, Clemons was named Chair of the Youth Challenge Fund by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. As well, plans are underway to launch the Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation in September 2007.

Whether in uniform, on the sidelines, or in the front office, Pinball has always been and continues to be one of Canada's favourite personalities. Clemons and his wife Diane, along with their daughters, Rachel, Raven, and Rylie, call Oakville, Ontario, their home. -- Sources: The Toronto Argonauts, WMAA

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