Astros pitchers Matt Albers, Jesse Crain to be recognized at San Jacinto College Friday
Former Astro Andy Pettitte Also Among Several Players Scheduled To Be Recognized
HOUSTON, TX - Astros right-handed pitchers Matt Albers and Jesse Crain will be among several current and former Major League players scheduled to be recognized by San Jacinto College on Friday, February 7. Former Astros and Yankees left-handed pitcher Andy Pettitte is also scheduled to be recognized.
San Jacinto College is hosting the Tournament of Champions, a four-team tournament that will take place Feb. 6-8 at John Ray Harrison Field, located on the San Jacinto College North campus (5800 Uvalde Road in Houston). All games are free and open to the public.
Albers, Crain and Pettitte will be among several other former San Jacinto College baseball players scheduled to be recognized during the pregame ceremonies prior to Friday's 5:00 p.m. game vs. Eastern Oklahoma State College. Others scheduled to attend include Giants outfielder Brandon Belt and veteran left-handed pitcher Mike Gonzalez (Brewers).
In addition to pitching for San Jacinto in 2001, Albers, a Texas native, also graduated from Clements High School in his hometown of Sugar Land, TX. Crain, who pitched for San Jacinto in 2000-01 (graduated in '01), went on to star for the University of Houston baseball team, earning All-Conference USA honors in 2002. Both Albers and Crain were signed by the Astros as free agents this offseason.
Over the years, San Jacinto College has produced dozens of professional players, with the most decorated being Pettite (1991) and Roger Clemens, who starred at San Jacinto in 1980-81 before transferring to the University of Texas, whom he helped lead to the College World Series title in 1983.
"The San Jacinto College baseball program has a lengthy tradition of excellence," commented Head Coach Tom Arrington. "The College has a reputation around the nation for sending players to the professional ranks, many whom emerge as some of the most elite in the game.
"Fans who come out for the Legends ceremony will have a unique opportunity to see some of the best student athletes ever produced by San Jacinto College, and indeed some of the best to come out of any college. We are proud of these men who personify what great foundations in athletics and academics are available at San Jacinto College, and we hope many from the community can come out to show their support and appreciation."