Early Life and Education
Kacy Austin Clemens was born on July 27, 1994, in Houston, Texas. Growing up in one of the city’s premier suburban neighborhoods, he attended a rigorous public high school where he excelled both academically and athletically. By the time he graduated in May 2013, Clemens had already attracted the attention of professional scouts and leading collegiate programs.
High School Highlights
| Date | Statistic/Recognition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| May 2013 | Games played | 50 |
| May 2013 | Home runs | 12 |
| May 2013 | Batting average | .410 |
| May 2013 | Fielding percentage (first base) | .985 |
| June 2013 | Selected in professional draft (35th round) | 1,050th pick |
Despite being selected in the 35th round of the June 2013 professional draft by a major league franchise, Clemens elected to pursue collegiate baseball and higher education.
Collegiate Career
From August 2013 to May 2017, Clemens attended a top Austin university. He was the program’s starting first baseman and had good defence and plate discipline. He turned double plays and walked frequently in four seasons.
Collegiate Statistics by Year
| Season | Games Played | Games Started | Fielding % | Double Plays | Walks | Team Rank (Walks) | Conference Rank (Walks) | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | 65 | 63 | .992 | 57 | 37 | 3rd | T-7th | 5 |
| 2014–15 | 62 | 60 | .989 | 53 | 42 | 2nd | 5th | 6 |
| 2015–16 | 64 | 62 | .991 | 55 | 45 | 2nd | 4th | 7 |
| 2016–17 | 58 | 58 | .988 | 50 | 40 | 3rd | T-6th | 4 |
Key achievements during this period include:
- Fielding Excellence: Maintained a career fielding percentage above .988, converting 215 double plays in total.
- Plate Discipline: Drew 164 walks over four seasons, ranking consistently within the top 7 in conference play each year.
- Power Production: Hit 22 home runs and scored 147 runs, often delivering in clutch situations.
- Academic Honors: Earned placement on the conference’s Commissioner’s Honor Roll in both fall and spring semesters of 2013–14, and repeated in 2015–16.
Professional Career
In June 2017, Clemens was selected in the 8th round of the annual professional draft by a franchise based in Toronto. He signed a contract that included a signing bonus of $50,000 and reported to the organization’s minor league system in late June.
Minor League Assignments and Performance
| Year | Team Location | Level | Games Played | Batting Avg. | Home Runs | RBI | Positions Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Vancouver, Canada | Short-Season A | 45 | .252 | 3 | 21 | 1B, LF |
| 2018 | Lansing, Michigan | Class A | 98 | .241 | 8 | 51 | 1B, RF |
| 2019 | Dunedin, Florida | Advanced A | 103 | .248 | 10 | 58 | 1B, LF |
| 2021 | New Hampshire, NH | Double-A | 95 | .239 | 5 | 39 | 1B, LF |
| 2022 | New Hampshire, NH | Double-A | 88 | .251 | 6 | 45 | 1B, LF |
Key Professional Milestones
- 2017 (July 1): Signed professional contract.
- 2018 (August 12): Hit a career-high 2 home runs in a single game.
- 2019 (July): Selected to play in the league All-Star exhibition.
- 2021 (September 15): Recorded a personal best of 4 runs batted in (RBI) in one contest.
Over five seasons, Clemens demonstrated adaptability by maintaining a near-.250 batting average across multiple levels and positions, suggesting readiness for higher competition.
Family Legacy
Clemens is the third of four athletic siblings influenced by their father’s record-setting pitching career. The family loves baseball for three generations.
Family Members
| Name | Relation | Birth Date | Professional Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger D. Clemens | Father | August 4, 1962 | Hall-of-Fame pitcher (24 seasons, 354 wins) |
| Kody Clemens | Brother | May 15, 1996 | Major league infielder |
| Koby Clemens | Brother | October 20, 1997 | Collegiate-level athlete |
| Kory Clemens | Brother | March 3, 2000 | Amateur-level player |
The four brothers have shared the field on multiple occasions, most notably during an alumni exhibition at the university ballpark in Austin on February 2, 2019.
Community Involvement
The Clemens family established a foundation in 2005 to support underprivileged and at-risk youth. Over two decades, they have raised more than $2 million through annual charity events.
Foundation Activities
| Year Range | Event Type | Funds Raised | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2010 | Charity golf tournaments | $350,000 | Local youth sports leagues |
| 2011–2015 | Celebrity softball games | $600,000 | Special needs children’s programs |
| 2016–2020 | Gala dinners | $450,000 | Educational scholarships |
| 2021–2024 | Virtual fundraisers | $700,000 | Community recreation centers |
Kacy Clemens has served as a guest speaker at over 25 events, emphasizing the importance of education, teamwork, and resilience.
Legal Challenges
On January 1, 2019, Clemens and a fellow player fought at a Houston pub, prompting legal action. A civil jury awarded $3.24 million in damages to the plaintiffs in June 2021, finding the venue’s management guilty.
Incident and Outcome
| Date | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2019 | Physical altercation at Houston bar | Lawsuit filed for $5 million damages |
| Jun 15, 2021 | Jury verdict | $3.24 million awarded to plaintiffs |
Public facilities must ensure patron safety, the ruling stated.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 27, 1994 | Birth of Kacy Austin Clemens | Houston, Texas |
| May 2013 | Graduated high school | Houston, Texas |
| Jun 5, 2013 | Drafted (35th round) | Houston |
| Aug 2013 | Began collegiate career | Austin, Texas |
| Jul 2017 | Drafted (8th round) and signed pro contract | Toronto |
| Feb 2, 2019 | Family alumni exhibition game | Austin, Texas |
| Jan 1, 2019 | Incident leading to lawsuit | Houston, Texas |
| Jun 15, 2021 | Jury awards $3.24 million | Houston, Texas |
| May 2024 | Last recorded professional season | New Hampshire |
FAQ
What position did Kacy Clemens primarily play?
He primarily played first base but also saw time in left and right field.
Professional baseball draughted him when?
He was selected in the 8th round of the June 2017 professional draft.
How many home runs did he hit in college?
He hit 22 home runs over his four collegiate seasons.
What was his career collegiate fielding percentage?
His career fielding percentage at first base was .990 (approximate).
What was the outcome of his 2019 legal case?
A civil jury awarded $3.24 million in damages for the altercation lawsuit in June 2021.
How much did he draw in walks during college?
His 164 walks placed him among conference leaders.
What community work has he done?
He has spoken at over 25 foundation events supporting underprivileged youth.
Who are his athletic siblings?
He has three brothers—Kody, Koby, and Kory—each playing at various competitive levels.
