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Texas Baseball: Kacy Clemens leaves behind his own legacy … and epic play

By James Caldwell

Apr 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; General view of a baseball before a game between the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; General view of a baseball before a game between the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Baseball should be getting ready to play Cal State Fullerton in the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament this weekend.

At least, that’s how Texas Baseball players and fans should feel about things after the Longhorns’ trip to California last weekend.

The Horns’ “regional” trip two timezones away playing games well after midnight Central time included wins over UCLA and Long Beach State. But, the Horns lost their last two games against the Dirtbags in controversial fashion.

That left Texas short of their goal making it back to Omaha for the College World Series. For seniors Kacy Clemens and Zane Gurwitz, they had to settle for one trip to Omaha during their freshman season.

But, Kacy Clemens accomplished something in his four years that helped him create his own Texas Baseball legacy.

https://twitter.com/Gane_Zurwitz50/status/872532161009786882

Kacy Clemens Carves his Own Legacy

Kacy Clemens and his younger brother Kody Clemens came to Texas trying to make their own name in Texas Baseball history after the success that Roger Clemens had.

Included was Roger leading the Horns to the 1983 National Title, then having a Hall of Fame-worthy career at the Major League level.

Kacy Clemens started out trying to pitch for Texas Baseball. But, his strength was hitting. So, he focused on the offensive side of the game.

But, Kacy struggled to see the ball at times, then he donned his trademark goggles that were like super powers giving him the ability to see the ball so well. Kacy also adjusted his stance and led the team in almost every offensive category his senior year. Included was smashing a Grand Slam in his last home game at Disch-Falk Stadium in Austin.

Kacy needed one moment to make himself a Texas Legend, though. It wasn’t pitching the Longhorns to the 1983 National Title like Roger. Instead, it was a play like 2017 Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell against Texas’ biggest rival.

With Texas clinging to a one-run lead against Texas A&M on a Tuesday Night in Texas, the Aggies tried a suicide squeeze to tie the game. But, Kacy read the play before it happened, charged from first base, made a difficult grab, and made a perfect throw to home plate to prevent the tying run from scoring. Texas went on to win by one run, 4-3.

It was a legendary moment that etched his name in Texas Baseball history. Kacy also finished with a winning record against the Aggies in his career because of that play.

When we talked to Kacy Clemens earlier this season, it was clear that he was determined to join Zane Gurwitz leading the Longhorns back to Omaha. With such a young team, a lot of the responsibility fell on their shoulders.

The Horns came close. If a few blown calls against Long Beach were reversed, the Horns would be gearing up to play Cal State Fullerton in the Augie Garrido Bowl this weekend.

Next: The Latest Texas Baseball News

But, Kacy Clemens carved his own legacy in Texas Baseball lore with his four-year career and that one memorable play. Now, it’s Kody Clemens’ turn to carry the torch for the Clemens Family in Austin.

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