It was part fundraiser, part pep rally, and part feast Saturday Feb. 26 in the Live Oak Pavilion as Roger Clemens came out to celebrate 25 years of FAU Baseball. The entire place was transformed. A 25-year FAU Baseball logo lit up the outer wall of the Pavilion while the inside was packed with red and blue tables. At each chair was a bag of ballpark peanuts, a miniature anniversary baseball bat, and a view of the stage where Clemens spoke to the crowd.
“My mom worked three jobs with six kids,” Clemens said, speaking about the inspiration behind his well-known work ethic. “But I felt like the richest kid on the block. I had the best glove and cleats out at that time.”
Juan Pierre and Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins also showed up to lend support to FAU’s fundraising effort for the construction of a new state of the art baseball stadium. They mingled with the crowd of FAU friends and local baseball parents and players. Pierre and Willis also took time out to sit down with some of the tables that had energetic kids thrilled to meet their pro baseball heroes. Walking around, conversations were balanced between the excitement of Clemens’ appearance and recaps of the last few weeks of local club baseball.
Clemens arrived at the function early and volunteered to speak to the FAU baseball team gathered in a room at the UC. “I really enjoy talking to the kids,” Clemens said. He concentrated heavily on the mindset that is required for peak play. Comparing baseball to golf, Clemens said, “It’s all about your approach. Some guys put the ball on the ground to make a living. But the true players put the ball on the ground knowing they’re going to win a tournament.” Furthermore, Clemens warned FAU players about never giving up. Comparing himself to Michael Jordan who was cut from his high school basketball team his sophomore year, Clemens said that in college he was third string behind pitchers with 91 m.p.h. fastballs. “At the time,” Clemens said, “I was at 84 mph but I could throw a strike in the dark. In a couple years, I was starting for those guys. So keep at it.”
Clemens also advised that to be successful in the majors, a player must constantly make adjustments. “With all the video that’s out there now,” Clemens said, “if a young guy is coming up, we’ll find and exploit his weakness.”
After dinner, Clemens fielded questions from the over 200 guests gathered. He talked about his 22-year career where he has earned over 300 wins and over 4,000 strikeouts, culminating in two World Series titles with the Yankees. “When I turned 30 I became a power pitcher,” Clemens said. “I was as strong as I ever was, but it also meant no downtime. I had to keep in shape even in the off-season – keep building strength. No sitting on my couch. A month and a half was all I could take off when the season was over.”
The final part of the evening was run by 18-year veteran Coach Kevin Cooney, who with great humor and vitality, auctioned off two of Clemens’ Astros jerseys personally signed by one of the games all-time great pitchers. Coach made it quite clear that the stadium would not build itself and jokingly promised playing time to the sons of bidding parents. “Does your kid take classes?” Coach joked. “If so, I can get him on the field tomorrow.” The two jerseys sold for over $2,000 a piece.
Many other items were silently auctioned. With enough money and luck, a bidding player could outfit himself for the upcoming season – a Barry Zito jersey, a Tony Fossas (now FAU assistant coach) Red Sox hat, an Amos Otis bat, a Raphael Palmero ball, a Pete Rose glove, and even a Nolan Ryan picture to hang in the dugout for inspiration. All items were autographed by the respective players.
Also launched Saturday was an FAU Baseball Hall of Fame with inaugural player inductees Mike Ryan (1982-84), Keith Foley (1983-84), Scott Hay (1984-86), Jack Penrod (1987-88), Nick Presto (1993-96), and Todd Maser (1998-99). Coach Steve Traylor (1981-87) was also inducted.
The FAU Baseball team has been doing well. Right now it is 6-2 with solid play marking the last two weeks. Clemens’ appearance can only propel the team to better things for the duration of the season.
