Roger Clemens

William Roger Clemens (* August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed " The Rocket " is one of the most famous former pitcher for the Major League Baseball. Most recently, he was active in the 2007 season for the New York Yankees. His first game in the MLB denied Clemens on May 15, 1984 to the Boston Red Sox, where he stood 13 seasons as a starting pitcher under contract.

Career

Boston Red Sox (1984-1996)

In 1983, Clemens was drafted by the Boston Red Sox at number 13 and went through as a result quickly the minor league system. Already on 15 May 1984 he made ​​his debut in the major leagues.

With his 24 wins as a starting pitcher Clemens had a large part in the Red Sox 1986 World Series reached, and which it then could not win. Clemens received this season's MVP Award of the American League. Also succeeded Clement to send as the first pitcher ever in MLB, in a regular nine innings with a strikeout 20 batters from the field. This feat, which succeeded against the Seattle Mariners, he was able to repeat ten years later (1996 ) against the Detroit Tigers.

Although Clemens jersey number 21 is not officially retired with the Red Sox, it has, since he has left the club, carried no other player more.

Toronto Blue Jays (1997-1998)

In his first home game in the dress of the Blue Jays Clemens made ​​one of his best games ever by he allowed only four hits and one run in eight innings played. Among the 24 outs that he threw, 16 were all strikeouts.

New York Yankees (1999-2003)

The trade to the New York Yankees had the opportunity to finally win the World Series, which he finally succeeded in 1999 and 2000 for Clemens.

On 8 July 2000, an incident between Clemens and the catcher Mike Piazza of the New York Mets occurred. Clemens hit Piazza with a pitch in the face. It was alleged the Hit by Pitch would intention of Clemens was because Piazza had done very well in the run against him. A month before the incident Piazza had even beaten against Clemens a Grand Slam. The first reunion after this incident took place just in the World Series in 2000, which reached both New York clubs, so the Yankees and the Mets.

At the beginning of 2003, Clemens was the first time his retirement from professional sport known he was going to take place at the end of the season. On June 13, 2003 Clemens reached in the game against the St. Louis Cardinals two important milestones of a pitcher in a game. For one, it was the 300th victory of his career and, secondly, Clemens was in this game throw his 4000th strikeout.

Houston Astros (2004-2006)

In 2004, Clemens decided to withdraw but still from retirement and signed a one-year contract with the Houston Astros. In May 2004, Clemens was with his 4137th strikeout in the time list at # 2 set behind the record holder Nolan Ryan ( 5714 strikeouts ). Clemens announced to resign after the 2004 season.

But this resignation had only briefly existed. The Astros offered him for the 2005 season an annual salary of 13.5 million U.S. dollars. Clemens demanded 22 million and at the end they agreed on a one-year contract for 18,000,022 U.S. dollars. The fact that Clemens was still a long way to the scrap heap, he proved by his 22 year as a pro with the best earned- run average 1.87 (ERA, average points, which are emitted per nine innings to the opponent ) reached his career. Also thanks to him, but the Astros reached the World Series in 2005, when Clemens only two innings ( in Game 1 ) accused. The Astros lost by a sweep of the Chicago White Sox.

Clemens wanted to finish for the third time his career after the season but signed again a one year contract with a salary of 22,000,022 U.S. dollars. This would be the highest amount that has ever been paid for a season in the MLB. If Clemens but does not play the whole season, he receives only a portion of the total ( about 12 million U.S. dollars). Clemens returned on June 22, 2006 against the Minnesota Twins back on the hill, but lost against the rookie Francisco Liriano with 2:4.

New York Yankees (2007)

On May 6, Roger Clemens announced that he 'll play again for the New York Yankees. According to reports the New York Times Clemens signed a prorated contract in the amount of 28 million dollars for the entire season. But Clemens was only a few uses, so that he came into the season only to a record of 6-6 and finished the season with an ERA of 4.18. Then he ended his active career.

Stations at a glance

Special

  • Clemens has won seven times the Cy Young award, more than any other player.
  • Clemens has won the fourth pitcher ever the Cy Young Award in both leagues.
  • Clemens in 2004 was 42 years, the oldest pitcher who could ever win the Cy Young Award.
  • Clemens is one of only three players who took part in both leagues in the All -Star Game.
  • Clemens occurs in an episode of The Simpsons entitled " The Wonder Bat " as a cartoon character, which he dubbed himself.
  • Clemens appeared also in an episode of MythBusters - on the knowledge hunter that dealt exclusively with baseball myths.
Dayton (Ohio) September 16 Earned Run Average 1999 World Series 2000 World Series Major League Baseball All-Century Team Draft (sports) Minor League Baseball Most Valuable Player Major League Baseball Triple Crown All-Star-Game
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