STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island has its first FerryHawk: 27-year-old Kacy Clemens. 

If his last name sounds familiar that's because Clemens is no stranger to baseball and the five boroughs. Kacy’s father Roger Clemens played for the New York Yankees from 1999 to 2003, winning two World Series and a Cy Young Award during his tenure.

“I’ve been playing the game since I was really young. Obviously, my father played for a long time and so I was kind of born into a baseball family and like my dad, I fell in love with the game early,” said Clemens. “Ultimately, I want to bring a championship to Staten Island.”

The new team is taking over the ballpark by the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George, formely home to the Staten Island Yankees.

Speaking exclusively with Staten Island reporter Victoria Manna, Clemens said he wants to make the FerryHawks the team to beat.

“With my dad playing for a lot of years in New York, I hope to kind of bring the same charisma, kind of like the same atmosphere with him and I am coming up there with him and enjoying our time and being able to spend time with the fans," Clemens said. 

Clemens played for the University of Texas and spent a few years in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system before becoming a free agent. He will play first base for the FerryHawks.

“I'm gonna do everything I can to make the stadium and atmosphere as fun and as exciting as it can be for the fans so we can bring something fun and exciting to Staten Island,” said Clemens.

Gary Perone, the executive vice president and general manager of the FerryHawks, says New Yorkers have a lot to look forward to as opening night approaches.

“Staten Island is the baseball haven of New York City. I've always said that and I think by having the Staten Island FerryHawks come back into play at the stadium is extremely important for the community," Perone said. "The venue and the ballpark is special and with Kacy Clemens coming with us now… he’s the first of many to come along to experience the skyline view and taste what Staten Island is all about."

In 2020, Major League baseball reduced its number of affiliated teams, pushing out the minor league Yankees. Back in August, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the owners of the new, independent Atlantic League team to officially announce the return of baseball to Staten Island and unveil new plans for the stadium. Staten Islanders played a hand in naming the new team, voting for the FerryHawks moniker from a variety of options.

Renovations underway at the stadium include improved food concessions, a bar and lounge and an upgraded field; all gearing up for the FerryHawks first home game on May 3rd.