I came across this story today at ESPN.com. Roger Clemens, perhaps the greatest pitcher of our generation, has received special permission from the commissioner’s office to train at the Houston Astros minor league camp this spring as he prepares for the inaugural World Baseball Classic. The 43-year-old Clemens led the major leagues last season by posting a 1.87 Earned Run Average while pitching for the Astros. Amid cries of nepotism, the Astros drafted Roger’s oldest son, Koby, in the 8th round of the 2005 draft last summer. Koby enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Astro farm system, hitting .297 with 4 homers and a .477 slugging percentage in only 32 games of rookie league ball before being promoted to single A. Clearly, this apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. This spring, father and son have been reunited as Dad gets in shape to headline Team USA’s pitching staff, while Jr. is continuing to prove his wares as a bona fide major league talent.
But yesterday, father and son took things to the next level.
Dad took the mound to throw to some of the club’s minor league prospects. A routine drill that every pitcher engages in at this time of the year. After some cursory warm up tosses, the screen was removed and Roger toed the rubber to throw to his first live batter of the spring.
The hitter? You guess it. Koby.
On the first pitch of the encounter, Clemens Senior reached back for some of his trademark high-octane velocity. What dad wouldn’t kill to have the opportunity to put Junior in his place here on the diamond, where there are no familial ties, only 60 ft. 6 inches of warzone between pitcher and batter. I can almost picture Clemens with his glove pulled high, hat pulled low, shaking off signs, smirking as he winds up to show his progeny what the game of baseball is all about.
Roger delivered a first pitch fastball that any mere mortal would be proud of. But again, this apple didn’t fall far.
Koby Clemens took his dad deep. Yard. Back, back, back, back…gone. Sayanora. Touch ’em all. Slamma-lamma ding dong. Koby Clemens, he of 143 professional at-bats, took Roger Clemens deep. Roger Clemens, winner of 341 major league games. The only man to win 7 Cy Young awards. Heck, he’s the only guy to win 6 Cy Youngs. Member of the All-Century Team. First ballot Hall of Famer. Taken deep. By his kid.
It gets better. After enjoying his moment of elation, Koby dug in his heels for his second at-bat against Dear Old Dad. But Koby, more than most, should’ve expected his Dad’s response.
Dad brushed him back.
A high and tight fastball, sent in the vicinity of Koby’s head, caused him to duck out of the batter’s box. It was a message pitch. Don’t get too comfortable, boy. Message delivered, no doubt. Koby smiled and promptly got back in the box, ready for up and in or down and away. The education of Koby Clemens was well under way.
Now, tell me baseball isn’t the greatest game in the world.
_______________
This story reminded me of the story of Bob Gibson. Gibson was known for his intimidating demeanor and his willingness to brush batters back. I love the story about Gibson from the Old Timer’s Game in 1992. Reggie Jackson homered off Gibson in a game that was part of the All Star Game festivities. When the ’93 Old Timer’s Game was played, the 57-year-old Gibson brushed back the 47-year-old Jackson. Even in his old age, Gibson owned the plate.
already & not yet 
That first one was full of typos :)Do you ever make road trips to games? Did that some a few years ago, but drifted away with other stuff. I used to make a circuit route with Atlanta, Boston, and St Louis. I would like to work up a trip to the new Busch Stadium this year.
Ed,Sunny and I are always up for a road trip. We’re looking at making a trip sometime in April…the Cards have home dates the final three weekends of the month. We’d love to go with you guys. If not in the spring, then maybe the fall.Back in the BC days (before children), Sunny and I were in the process of going to all 30 major league stadiums; we made it up to about 18, but then we had the kids and there have been a few stadiums open in cities we’ll have to revisit.
I remember having that goal.
Cool. I used to hit a bunch of minor league games too. Loved the AAA teams because they were playing their hearts out to get moved up. Saw some really good baseball there. Assume you have talked to Rodney about their travels.
Oh yeah. We even made a trip to St. Louis with Sara and Rodney and the girls back in the fall. Saw one of the last Cardinal games in old Busch. Huge Cards fan; have been since I was a boy.
I’ve been a long time fan too and I’m not sure why. Always one of my favorites. Never lived or had business there. I’m off and on with Atlanta (last year was off).
That’s why I love the Rocket! He’s not afraid to brush someone back…one of the few pitchers who still believes he has control over the plate. Now days, so many would be great pitchers allow the umpire to give all the plate-rights to the hitters…it’s no wonder Roger has an ERA well below 2.00!BTW, I still maintain he didn’t throw the bat at Piazza!!!
No way. He hurled that lumber at Piazza faster than you can say 5 game suspension. But you’re right. He’s one of the few guys who commands the plate. A true throwback.