Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history but Tuesday night he was simply a proud father after the Toronto Blue Jays selected his son, Kacy, in the eighth round of the 2017 draft.
Clemens spent two seasons as a member of the Blue Jays, winning the American League Cy Young Award in both 1997 and 1998.
“He was pretty fired up to say the least when he heard his name,” Clemens told Prime Time Sports Wednesday.
“It looks like this next chapter in his life he’s just really excited to have the opportunity to try this,” Clemens added. “Like I’ve told him since he was little, it’s very difficult as you work your way up that tier and guys really good but I think he’s up for the challenge.”
Kacy followed in his father’s footsteps pitching in high school and early in his college career before transitioning to first base. The 22-year-old was his team’s offensive MVP during his senior year at the University of Texas, hitting .305/.414/.532 with 12 home runs and 49 RBI. He is also valued for his defensive skills.
“I think he’s really close to major league ready as far as his defensive play,” Clemens said. “He’s a left-handed bat and really hit a little bit of everything. In college it seems like they throw a lot of breaking balls so he really had to make adjustments to that throughout the year.”
Clemens added that Kacy’s professional career could start in the near future.
“I’m hearing that he is going to be in Dunedin for a physical by Friday and then possibly sent to one of the affiliates at that point.”
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