Clark is 44 years old and more than a few pounds over his playing weight. When he rejoins his original organization, it'll be as a special assistant in the front office.

He's leaving the Diamondbacks, where he had a similar role the past four years. In Arizona, his link was Jeff Moorad, the chief executive officer, but Moorad resigned to pursue buying the Padres.

Clark last played in San Francisco in 1993, Barry Bonds' first year as a Giant. The Giants, under Peter Magowan, chose not to re-sign Clark, instead bringing back another free agent, Robby Thompson.

Clark went on to play seven more years for the Rangers, Orioles and Cardinals. His best work came with the Giants, for whom he played eight years (.299, 176 homers, 709 RBIs, five All-Star teams). He was instrumental in turning around a franchise that lost 100 games in 1985. With Clark aboard, the Giants won division titles in 1987 and 1989 and went to the '89 World Series.

He was second in the MVP voting in 1989 to teammate Kevin Mitchell.

Bill Neukom, who replaced Magowan as managing general partner, reached out to Clark. While Magowan bridged the '60s to the current era -- making Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda special assistants -- Neukom is extending the bridge to the Clark era.

In his role, Clark will appear at team functions -- including promos involving the 20-year anniversary of the '89 Series -- and help young players at the plate and in the field, particularly at first base.