Roger Clemens announced as newest Skeeters pitcher

  

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Pitching legend Roger Clemens is making a comeback in the minor leagues. He was introduced as the newest member of the Sugar Land Skeeters in a news conference this morning.

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It will be the Rocket's first return to the mound since he was cleared of lying to Congress in June.

The Constellation Field minor league baseball park will get worldwide attention Saturday night. That's because the seven-time Cy Young Award winner has joined the Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters. He'll be wearing number 21.

Clemens says he wants to go out and make it fun for the fans. He says there is a huge difference in training and competing.

He says Skeeters' manager Gary Gaetti had been calling him since April and asked him to come out and pitch. He finally agreed.

Eyewitness News asked Clemens if he was using the Skeeters as a way to get back to the majors.

"I've been to the major leagues and back -- a couple of times," he said. "I have retired and unretired, so I wouldn't even consider thinking about that far ahead. I've gotta get through Saturday. I'm sure I'll break some adhesions out there and what not but we are going to have with it."

He kind of side-stepped the question if he would pitch for the Astros if he got a call.

Clemens joins a pitching rotation including other former major leaguers -- Tim Redding, Jason Lane and Scott Kazmir. Clemens retired four times but this weekend he'll take his first trip to the mound in a professional game since 2007.

The last time Clemens was in the public eye was during his seemingly endless federal perjury trial in which he was ultimately found not guilty. Clemens will suit up on Friday and make his first start Saturday night versus the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans are thrilled.

"He's known by everybody. He's amazing. The fact that he's going there -- that's awesome," said baseball fan Ashley Laire. "That will bring lots of attention to the Skeeters, and lots of business for us and good stuff."

The Skeeters are currently in fourth place in the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League with a record of 18-19.

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