Eyewitness Sports has learned that Roger Clemens son, Koby, has been signed by the Sugar Land Skeeters and will catch his dad in Friday's game against the Long Island Ducks. It's the second start on the mound for the Rocket.
The elder Clemens, 50, joined the Skeeters, of the independent Atlantic League, last month and pitched 3 1-3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his first start on August 25.
Koby Clemens, 25, will join the team after spending the 2012 season with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, where he hit .246 over 64 total minor league games.
"I also want to thank them (Toronto) for allowing me this opportunity to catch my pops in what should be a fun-filled event in Sugar Land. We've had the opportunity to work alongside each other a few years back but never in a pitcher/catcher battery. I'm looking forward to this and hope everyone looking on enjoys it," Koby said in a statement.
Originally selected by the Houston Astros in the in eighth round of the June 2005 draft, Clemens reached the Triple A level with the Astros before joining the Blue Jays organization in February of this year. In eight professional seasons with the Astros (2005-11) and Blues Jays (2012) organizations, Clemens owns a career .264 average and has played five defensive positions, including catcher.
"This is cool stuff," said Roger Clemens. "Having Koby, my oldest son, back there to catch a game will be great. I'm glad he's getting the opportunity to do so. We will have many special guests there to watch. Thanks again to Sugar Land!"
Some believe the seven-time Cy Young Award winner's work with the Skeeters is the first step in a return to the majors. But he has said he isn't thinking about a big league comeback yet.
For the first time, Clemens is set to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot going out to voters late this year. If he plays in another major league game, the timetable would be pushed back five years.
The Rocket last pitched in the majors for the New York Yankees in 2007.
Two months ago, he was acquitted of charges he lied to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
