For Profiles In Sports –For Lexington Legends Magazine 2007

The Rocket Explodes Over Lexington
By Richard G. Herles

LEXINGTON, KY. - Turn back the clock to February of 2006. ESPN’s Peter Gammons made this prediction on The Mike & Mike Show. “Everything points to him (Roger Clemens) going to Lexington, Ky., and being with Koby for the first month, month-and-a-half of the season.” Immediately, rumors began to run rampant that Koby Clemens’ father might be attending some games to watch Koby play. The ink hadn’t dried on the newspaper and the “Clemens Birds” began circling Applebee’s Park hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive future Hall Of Famer.

Roger didn’t help matters. Clemens sightings in Kissimmee, Florida, the home of the Astro’s spring training, weren’t uncommon. He even pitched a simulated game. Even though Roger had not yet decided whether he was going to play, he did continue his legendary training work ethic.

When the Legends arrived in Lexington for Media Day, questions about Roger were everywhere. When asked about possibly having both Clemens on the team, the Legends new skipper, Jack Lind responded, “Any kind of exposure these kids can have to a guy like that is going to be a major plus in their career.” Koby took the deluge of questions about his famous father in stride. “I think that he’s kind of in between right now, but who knows? …I’ve been wrong the last three years, so who knows? …He’s coming to watch me. He wants to see my little brother play as well.”

Opening Day rolled around and the buzz in the crowd quadrupled. “I wonder if Roger will be here.” “Is he here?” “Have you seen him?” “I hope I see him.” “I want to get an autograph.” Well, the answer was Yes. Roger, his wife –Debbie, and their two younger sons –Kacy and Kody, were all there to watch Koby. Unfortunately, the game was rained out, but that didn’t dampen Roger as he joked, “They want me to pitch the second game of the double header.” During the opening home stand, the big right-hander spent some time with the Legend’s players. He even pitched a little batting practice in the batting cage in between the double-header games.

Fans were excited about the idea that the future Hall of Famer was going to be a fixture around Applebee’s Park, but then Koby dislocated his finger just three weeks into the season and was sent to Houston to have it repaired.

As May was drawing to a close, word came down that Koby would soon be returning to Lexington and then the “Rocket” exploded over Lexington. Roger decided to make a comeback and announced that it will begin with the Legends.

Instantly, tickets were at a premium. Everybody wanted to see Roger pitch. The week prior to the game Applebee’s Park took on a circus atmosphere. The Legends President /CEO Alan Stein, who is known for his predictions, stated, “We think that we can get this kid to the majors someday. Eight Legends have made it to the majors and we think he has a chance, too.”

The Legend fans weren’t the only ones that enjoyed the Rocket coming to Lexington. Roger generously redecorated the locker room with new leather chairs and sofas and a plasma screen TV. He also treated the players to a special post game meal. Normally, it consisted of cold cut sandwiches, but Roger stepped it up a notch. He set the players up with filet mignon, chicken, shrimp, and stuffed baked potatoes.

On the morning of the big game, former Legends manager, Russ Nixon, used all the knowledge that he had gathered over his 54 years in professional baseball and bestowed one piece of advice on Roger. “Don’t get hurt.”

As game time drew close, the record breaking 9222 fans and the hundreds of media anxiously waited to see the Rocket. Roger entered the field and after a little stretching, began his warm-ups. With warm-ups completed, Roger was joined by two special batboys –Kacy and Kody. Prior to the opening ceremonies, the classy 11-time All-star took time to shake hands with all of the Southwest Lexington Little League Reds, who were waiting to accompany the Legends on the field during the player introductions. After the National Anthem, Roger knelt on the mound to sign a ball for the Little Leaguer that trotted out with him.

The umpire called, “Play Ball!” and the game was on. Clemens threw his practice pitches and then the Legends tossed it around the infield. The ball ending up with Lexington’s third baseman –Koby, who walked it over and handed it to his father. Next, Roger wound up and delivered the first pitch -a ball. That pitch was quickly retrieved by batboy, Brett Durbin, who ran it over to his father, Gary Durbin –the Legends Vice-President. The ball was whisked away as a treasure for the Legends to enjoy forever. Roger managed to retire the first two batters that he faced, but the third batter, Johnny Drennen, caught up with a split-finger that according to the Rocket “didn’t split” and drove it over the right field fence. It was the only run that the seven-time Cy Young Award winner would give up. ESPN televised all of Clemens’ 62 pitches. The official line for Roger’s outing was one run in 3 innings of work; facing 13 batters; allowing three hits; striking out six batters; 62 pitches; 41 strikes; and a hit batter- Marshall Szabo. Roger not only apologized to Szabo after the inning was over, but after the game, he went to the Captians locker room and apologized again. Szabo said, “I’ll tell my kids about it someday.”
Both Clemens enjoyed the day. “That’s what I’ll remember,” Koby said, “Getting to have a lot of fun with my dad on the field.” Roger added, “(it was) a lot of fun. I hope everybody enjoyed it.”

The Rocket ended his stay as a Legend with a bullpen session. He explained mechanics and what he was trying to accomplish to the entire pitching staff.
The bright burning trail of the Rocket may fade over time, but for one week in June of 2006, fans of all ages were treated to memories that will last forever.

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