San Jacinto to honor alumni Albers, Crain, Pettitte

HOUSTON -- Astros pitchers Matt Albers and Jesse Crain and former Astros and Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte will be among the former San Jacinto College players recognized during ceremonies prior to Friday's game against Eastern Oklahoma State.

San Jacinto College is hosting the Tournament of Champions, a four-team tournament that will take place Friday through Sunday at John Ray Harrison Field in east Houston.

Albers, Crain and Pettitte will be honored along with Giants outfielder Brandon Belt and veteran left-hander Michael Gonzalez, who pitched for the Brewers last season.

"The San Jacinto College baseball program has a lengthy tradition of excellence," San Jac coach Tom Arrington said. "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."

Albers, who went to high school in the Houston area, pitched at San Jac in 2001, and Crain was there from 2000-01 before going to the University of Houston.

Over the years, San Jacinto College has produced dozens of professional players, with the most decorated being Pettitte (1991) and Roger Clemens, who starred at San Jacinto in 1980-81 before transferring to the University of Texas, which he helped lead to a College World Series title in 1983.