Clemens Return to the Majors (not Poker) =)

Clemens Return....

I know this has nothing to do with poker but I just had to share the time I had watching Roger Clemens on his road back to the Major Leagues. Roger took the mound for the Round Rock Express (AAA Pacific Coast League Affiliate of the Houston Astros) last night against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Pacific Coast League Affiliate of the Washington Nationals) . As I sat on the berm (outfield grass) in right field watching the hoards of people pour into the "Dell Diamond" to watch a future Hall of Fame pitcher, in his last minor league start before joining the Astros, I was still amazed that I was able to get a ticket for the game. This was one of the biggest things to come into the Austin metro area for awhile. As he walked in from the bullpen before the game we walked over near the stand where he shook hands with a local Little League team that was taking the field as part of the "Baseball Buddies" program sponsored by the Express. You know those youngsters will always remember shaking the hand of a great baseball player. I know I would have enjoyed that. I grew up watching Clemens through college (HOOK 'EM HORNS) and then early in his career as a Boston Redsox player. The clapping and cheers for Clemens prior to the game was almost deafining from the record 13,000+ fans. The cheering continued as he took the mound to start the first inning.

Roger had an extremely rough first inning giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 batters. Like everyone in the stands I thought that the umpire had a VERY TIGHT STRIKE ZONE. Unfortunately like everyone I thought it was going to be a short night to see Clemens pitch. His team mates did come back with a vengance and score 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Joe McEwing did say a few words to the umpire ( I suppose it was due to the horrible strike zone ). Coach Spillman got ejected during the discussion near home plate. Round Rock went up in the 4th inning for good with a two run homerun from left fielder Luke Scott. Clemens pitched great after the first inning.

He ended up pitching 91 pitches in 5 2/3 innings with 5 strike outs. I know I am a big kid but I really enjoyed seeing this feat.

D

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