Roger Clemens donates $1M

Discussion in 'Baseball' started by Driver 8, Apr 24, 2018.

  1. Driver 8

    Driver 8 Amor Fati

    texassports.com/news/2018/4/24/roger-and-debbie-clemens-pledge-1-million-gift-to-support-texas-baseball

    BA_ClemensDonation_Web.jpg

    AUSTIN, Texas—A legendary name in Longhorn Baseball lore – Clemens – has stepped back up to the plate to provide a $1 million donation toward a $9 million project that will help support the future of the program, University of Texas Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte announced on Tuesday.

    The gift by Longhorn Legend and Major League Baseball great Roger Clemens and his wife, Debbie, on behalf of the Roger Clemens Foundation, will provide support to the program and assist in the funding of an indoor baseball training facility. UT Athletics is actively fundraising for that facility, which is scheduled to begin construction this summer with a 2019 anticipated completion date. Texas is the only school in the Big 12 that does not have indoor baseball training area, and this ongoing fundraising campaign is in place to support that structure.

    The Clemens' youngest two sons, Kacy and Kody, are also part of the family's Texas Baseball legacy. Kacy completed a tremendous career at Texas in 2017 by earning Team MVP and Offensive MVP honors as a senior. He was drafted in the eighth round by the Toronto Blue Jays last June and is currently a member of that organization. Kody is in the midst of an outstanding junior season. He was recently named a Midseason All-American, is a member of the Golden Spikes Award (nation's top amateur baseball player) watch list and has recorded a Big 12-leading 13 home runs in 2018. The Clemens' eldest two sons, Koby and Kory, also have Texas connections with Koby signing with the Longhorns before deciding to play professional baseball, and Kory attending UT before embarking on a career in culinary arts.

    "On my way to a 24-year career in the major leagues, I can say for me it all started right here at The University of Texas. I have fantastic memories that I carry with me now and forever from The University and our city of Austin." Clemens said. "Those fond memories continue as I have watched all four of my boys have ties to UT – and in the case of Kacy and Kody large ties with both excelling in the classroom and at Disch-Falk Field. When I was at Texas, we had the best facility in the nation. Now with the addition of the indoor complex and training facility, it will once again be the best place to play, workout and take your game to the next level. I hope all of you will be proud of it!"

    A member of the Longhorn Hall of Honor whose jersey number 21 was retired in 1993, Clemens earned a complete game win to help lead Texas to the 1983 National Championship. He led the Longhorns in innings pitched and strikeouts in 1982 and 1983 and tossed an NCAA-record 35 consecutive scoreless innings in the 1982 postseason. He did not allow a single walk in 17.2 innings during the Horns' 1983 College World Series run. Clemens was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

    "The Rocket was just unbelievable to watch as a player, and we are so lucky to have him, not only as a Longhorn Legend and icon here, but also, along with Debbie, as parents, fans and supporters," Del Conte said. "I've really enjoyed getting to know them, and it doesn't take long to feel the pride and passion they have for their Longhorns. Roger played here, two of his sons followed in his footsteps, and he's a regular at so many of our sporting events. The Clemens family absolutely bleeds orange. This gift truly underscores their love for Texas. Their generosity will help our baseball program continue to grow and prosper for years to come."

    Clemens was a first-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft. He played for 24 seasons, winning 354 games (ninth-most in MLB history) and recording 4,672 strikeouts (third-most in MLB history). Clemens earned an MLB-record seven Cy Young Awards, was an 11-time All-Star and helped his teams to six World Series appearances, winning two with the New York Yankees (1999, 2000).

    "Roger is a true Texas Longhorn," said Texas Baseball head coach David Pierce. "He has an incredible amount of passion and pride for The University of Texas and has been a supportive former player and parent for many years. On behalf on the coaches and players, I want to thank Roger and Debbie for their incredible gift to help support our new indoor facility project. This is big-time support from the 'Rocket' and his family."
     
  2. FWHORN

    FWHORN 10,000+ Posts

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