Never fear- Clay Buchholz isn't retiring from baseball... but his jersey number was retired by Angelina College last night in Lufkin, Texas.

click on picture for full-size version

Clay pitched for the Roadrunners of Angelina College in 2004 and 2005 while wearing the number 11, and set several records along the way-- including season ERA (1.05) and season strikeouts (29). In addition, Buchholz hit .362 with six homers, 24 RBIs and 10 stolen bases as a sophomore.

During halftime of last night's basketball game at Angelina College, his former coach presented him with a framed commemorative #11 jersey and spoke about Clay's accomplishments as a Roadrunner and for the Red Sox.

With a full crowd of former teammates, fans, college instructors and coaches on hand, Buchholz thanked all those who, he said, "gave him a chance."

"There were teachers and coaches here who just kept pushing me to do the best I could do in the classroom and on the field," Buchholz said. "They never allowed me to believe anything else except that I could become successful.

"I'm very grateful for what they did for me here.