After years of conversation and speculation, Roger Clemens could finally hear his name called to Cooperstown.
After years of conversation and speculation, former Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens could finally hear his name called into Cooperstown on December 7.
Clemens was one of eight former players who was put on the Contemporary Baseball Era ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, and Fernando Valenzuela.
About the Contemporary Baseball Era Ballot:
The Era Committees consist of three different electorates: The Classic Baseball Era, consisting of the period prior to 1980 and including Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues stars; and the Contemporary Baseball Era, consisting of the period from 1980 to present day. The Contemporary Baseball Era is split into two separate ballots – one ballot to consider only players who made their greatest impact on the game since 1980, and another composite ballot consisting of managers, executives and umpires whose greatest contributions to the game have come since 1980.
This 'Era' is up for induction in 2026, and then not again until 2029, as the Eras rotate in terms of eligibility. Dick Allen and Dave Parker were inducted this past summer as part of the 'Classic Baseball Era' ballot.
About Clemens' Tenure in Boston
Clemens spent 13 years with the Red Sox, helping them get to the World Series in 1986, a year in which he won 24 games and pitched to a 2.48 ERA. He was a five-time All-Star in Boston who won at least 18 games six times and owned a 3.06 ERA. He won three Cy Young Awards with the Sox.
His 20-strikeout game against the Seattle Mariners in April of 1986 is the stuff of legends. He also struck out 20 batters in a 1996 game for Boston.
Clemens in total
A 24-year veteran in all, he also pitched for the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. Lifetime, he was 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA, making 707 career starts (709 appearances).
He won an MVP, seven Cy Young Awards, two Triple Crowns and two World Series titles. He was a seven-time ERA champion and an 11-time All-Star.
The controversy
Clemens was named in the 2007 'Mitchell Report' alleging he used steroids during his career. It is for this reason that he is not in the Hall of Fame already. You can read more on the story here.
Which cap?
If Clemens were to make the Hall of Fame, it's unclear which team he'd represent, but he is in the Red Sox team Hall of Fame, which should show how the organization feels about him.
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