WAIPAHU — Overlooking a field of future major leaguers was a future Hall of Famer.

Just 48 hours after his season ended, Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens made an appearance at Hans L'Orange Park last night for the Hawaii Winter Baseball game between the West Oahu CaneFires and North Shore Honu. Clemens' son, Koby, is the third baseman for the Honu.

"I think everybody's excited to have the league started back up," said Clemens, who arrived here yesterday morning. "There's a lot of kids here chasing their dreams. I can speak out for the two from our organization (Koby and shortstop Tommy Manzella). They missed some time due to injuries and this will give 'em a chance to get a few more at-bats before they shut it down and let their bodies heal and get ready to go to spring training in '07."

Clemens is no stranger to the Islands, having visited O'ahu or Maui during past offseasons. Sons Koby and Kory were baptized here, Clemens said. He said he was last here for the Sony Open, where his wife, Debbie, also on hand for last night's game, played with Michelle Wie.

"We love Hawai'i," Clemens said. "We've been coming to Hawai'i for 20 years now."

But it's not quite a vacation for Clemens. He will be working with the league's pitchers and taking notes on players. He said he has a personal service contract with the Astros that gives him the chance to work with the organization's prospects, whether he decides to return next season or not.

"I want to work with minor league guys," he said. "I enjoy doing that."

Clemens said he will return to Houston for commitments, but plans to return once more before the HWB season ends.

Meanwhile, Clemens declined to comment on allegations made by former pitcher Jason Grimsley in a Los Angeles Times report that Clemens and several others, including Astros teammate Andy Pettitte, used performance-enhancing drugs.

Clemens said to comment on the allegations would only validate the story. Since then, a federal prosecutor has said the original story contained "significant inaccuracies."

"And now you can see what's happening," Clemens said. "It's unfortunate that people don't really do thorough work before people drag people through the mud."

For now, Clemens will watch his son and other aspiring big leaguers before deciding whether he'll return to the game next season.

"I don't like the word retire," he said. "Maybe I'll just be able to fade away and work with these kids."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.