Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Blue Jays hoping like father, like son with legacy prospects

By Tyler Partridge

Jul 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Ken Griffey Jr. hugs his father Ken Griffey Sr. after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the 2015 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Ken Griffey Jr. hugs his father Ken Griffey Sr. after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the 2015 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros former players Jeff Bagwell (left) and Roger Clemens (right) throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros former players Jeff Bagwell (left) and Roger Clemens (right) throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Roger Clemens

More from Tip of the Tower

The Rocket’s numbers alone should have made him a for sure Hall-of-Famer. Only two men in MLB history had more strikeouts than Clemens 4,672 – Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson (both in the Hall). And Clemens is ninth in wins with 354 (the eight in front of him are all inducted).

Unfortunately, all of Clemens’ accomplishments have been called into question because of his link to performance enhancing drugs. His name has become synonymous with the Steroid Era and the debate on whether to accept him as one of the greatest pitchers of all time or to dismiss him as cheater, is still raging on.

Despite it all, the former Blue Jays ace may just make it to Cooperstown anyway, as he saw his vote total rise from 45.2% in 2016 to 54.1% in his fifth year on the ballot.

Throughout his 24 year career, he played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He won seven Cy Young Awards (including two in Toronto) and the 1986 AL MVP.

Kacy Clemens – 1B

Roger and his wife Debra have four sons, all with names starting with Ks, no coincidence apparently. Their first son, Koby was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 8th round, 254th overall in 2005 but he has long since retired.

Kacy now stands as the best shot to carry on his father’s MLB legacy. Like his dad he excelled at the University of Texas but not as a pitcher. Clemens pitched a few innings for the Longhorns but it is his bat that got the lefty first baseman drafted.

He was named the offensive player of the year for Texas last season as he hit .305, with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Kasey was drafted by Toronto in the 8th round this year, five slots behind where his older brother was taken 12 years earlier (249th overall).

Home/Toronto Blue Jays