Clay Hensley
Clayton Allen Hensley is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, and San Francisco Giants.
Early life
Clayton Allen Hensley was born on August 31, 1979, in Pearland, Texas.College career
Hensley attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he set a single season record with 127 strikeouts in 100 innings.Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
Hensley was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. On May 3, 2003, he pitched a perfect game for the Hagerstown Suns of the South Atlantic League.On July 13, 2003, Hensley was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Matt Herges. On April 5,, he was suspended 15 games for testing positive for steroids while pitching in the minor leagues.
San Diego Padres (2005–2008)
Later that season, he was called up from the Triple-A Portland Beavers. He emerged as a vital figure in middle relief, not allowing a home run in innings pitched.[Image:Clay Hensley 2008.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Hensley with the Padres in 2008]
In, Hensley made 29 starts for the San Diego Padres, with an Earned run average of 3.71.
Hensley began the season as the Padres' #5 starter, but was placed on the disabled list in May. After struggling in his minor league rehab starts, Hensley was optioned to the Triple-A Portland Beavers.
On August 4, 2007, Hensley gave up Barry Bonds's 755th career home run, which tied Bonds with Hank Aaron for most all-time. The next day, Hensley was optioned to the minor leagues.
Hensley was non-tendered by the Padres following the season, making him a free agent.
Houston Astros
On December 23, 2008, Hensley signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros that included an invitation to spring training worth $550,000. In 6 games for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, he struggled to a 7.20 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 10 innings. On May 13, 2009, Hensley was released by the Astros organization.Florida Marlins (2010–2011)
On May 13, 2009, Hensley signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins.In 2010, Hensley took over the closer role from Leo Núñez. For the start 2011 season, Hensley was once again being used as a setup man. However, after injury problems to both himself and Marlins ace Josh Johnson, the Marlins promoted him to the starting rotation. He was designated for assignment on December 9, 2011, and became a free agent after being non-tendered by Miami on December 13.
San Francisco Giants (2012)
On February 8, 2012, Hensley signed a non-guaranteed contract with the San Francisco Giants that included an invitation to spring training. He made the Giants' 2012 Opening Day roster out of spring training. He became a free agent following the season.Cincinnati Reds
On February 11, 2013, he signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Hensley was released from the Reds Triple-A affiliate the Louisville Bats on May 20, thus becoming a free agent.Milwaukee Brewers
On May 26, 2013, Hensley signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 4 games for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, he posted a 3.38 ERA with 2 strikeouts over innings pitched. Hensley was released by the Brewers organization on June 11.Sugar Land Skeeters
On August 11, 2013, Hensley signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He made 14 appearances for the Skeeters, compiling a 2–0 record and 0.63 ERA with 16 strikeouts and one save across innings pitched. Hensley became a free agent following the season.On January 24, 2014, Hensley signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals that included an invitation to spring training. He was released prior to the start of the season on March 20.
On April 11, 2014, Hensley signed again with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League. In three games for the Skeeters, he struggled to a 13.50 ERA with one strikeout over innings pitched. Hensley announced his retirement from professional baseball on April 28.