In my eyes, Clemens is the greatest pitcher who’s ever lived. He’s got seven Cy Young awards, 354 career wins, eleven All-Star game appearances, two World Series rings and countless other records and accolades. Needless to say he’s proven himself on the field, but now he needs to prove himself in court of public opinion—a battle proving to be far more daunting.
Clemens good name and Hall of Fame career came under question with the release of the Mitchell Report on December 13 of last year. In the report Clemens’ personal trainer, Brain McNamee implicates former clients, most notably Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch.
The Mitchell Report alleges that McNamee helped acquire performance-enhancing drugs including steroids, amphetamines and human growth hormone, for some or all of the players he trained. McNamee told the Mitchell Commission that he began injecting Clemens with steroids in 1998, and that he continued to provide these steroids through 2001.
Clemens’ appearance on “60 Minutes” Sunday was met with mixed responses. Some believe his adamant, and almost furious, denials were proof that he was a wronged man who’d grown emotional due to the immediate public crucifixion, despite a lack of evidence beyond the testimony of a former trainer. Others saw his borderline tirade as further proof of his guilt and the unwillingness of his ego to be done in by a mere “clubhouse lackey.”
Clemens had a phone conversation with McNamee on January 4, two days prior to the “60 Minutes” interview. In that conversation Clemens stated he just wants the truth from someone, never actually telling his former trainer to come out and clear the pitcher's name. Clemens stated many times in the conversation that the steroid accusations were false, and when this was stated McNamee never agreed or disagreed, simply asking "tell me what you want me to do."
At this point, both Clemens and McNamee have been asked to testify before a congressional committee. In addition to the once chummy training duo, Pettitte, Knoblauch and former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski have also been asked to appear and give their testimony.
As a life-long fan of Clemens, I’m very much torn. I want to believe him. I want to believe that he’s been clean his entire career. I want to believe that he rose above the temptation to take the easy road. I want to believe that he saw others taking short-cuts and decided he’d rather work harder to keep up and, for the most part, stay ahead of those around him.
But one can’t help but wonder how a man in his forties is throwing just as well as, if not better than, pitchers half his age. One can’t help but wonder how a man in his forties manages to avoid any major injuries or nagging set-backs in recovery time. One can’t help but wonder whether or not all their heroes are tainted.
It pains me to question the integrity of one of my favorite players of all-time. I can only liken it to the way it would kill my father if Willie Mays were to suddenly come under question for having been using some sort of early performance-enhancer.
It hurts when a hero falls, but it hurts even more when you can’t sit there and listen to them declare their innocence without skepticism taking over.
Here’s to hoping I’m wrong and that the Rocket can prove we were all wrong.
This is an excellent blog. I commend you for sharing your concern and hopes without rushing to judgement. Like you I want to believe (see my blog on this subject) and like you I'm sure, if there is conclusive proof then he's going to have to pay the piper. At this point I don't see that conclusive proof and I hope he can clear his name. I guess all reasonable people will just have to wait and see. Good blog. Appreciate the maturity to it.
I would mention that the Niekro's pitched into their 40's as did Satchel Paige, Don Sutton and others. George Blanda led the Raiders to the playoffs in his 40's. Kareem abdul Jabbar and Mark Messier played effectively at 40. Gordie Howe played well beyond 40.
I can't say yet if he did or not but I hope people will not just assume that he did because of age because if you look at the facts, his injuries, his ERA and his wins have been slowly but steadily deteoriating over the past couple of years. Age is not necessarily the defining factor here in my book.
Roger Clemens is not only the best pitcher in baseball, he is innocent!!!! There is too many loop holes in McNamees story! If Roger was doing steroids in the past, then why did he not do it last year when he needed them most during an obvious struggling season for him? By the way,all you Roger haters,if McNamee kept such good records on who he injected why is there no record for Roger? Maybe thats because it is not so! Some things get better with age! Roger did not have the speed on the ball that he had when he was younger, but he was crafty with his pitches to make up the difference. Thats something many athletes have to do along with the hard work of working out to compensate for the downside of aging. Lets cut the #### of lies and focus on the love of baseball and the years of devotion this man has given us! And if you truly knew this man, you would love what this man and his family has done for so many wonderful charities. I would be proud for my children to have Roger Clemens as their hero. He is a great person and athlete and shame on you people whether you are an Yankee fan or not to crucify this guy like this when you have only a criminals word to go on. You are the same people who will be wanting to dig up Mickey Mantle,Joe Dimaggio,Ted Williams and all the other greats to see if there was steroids involved in their greatness. So to all who loves the game of baseball, remain faithful to our athletes and support them until there is sufficient evidence to do otherwise.
Last edited by yankette on January 10th at 5:36 AM.
I've been a Yankee fan from birth. I was never a Roger Clemens fan. When Roger joined the Yankees I was upset. Over the years I have alternated between dreading him and appreciating him...I am sure most Yankee fans know what I mean. I groaned when he was set to pitch an important game...I cheered when he did a good job of it...always afraid that he would give up the big hit at the wrong time. Having said all that, the one thing that I have grown to respect about Roger is that whether he was on or not...he was going to give it his best effort. I respected his guts and determination. I also respected his work ethic. I am greatly saddened that we have all become so jaded by the failures of our heros...When the sport station ran the litany of people professing their innocence, from Pete Rose to Bill Clinton, it is easy to see why the american people don't believe in anyone any more. Well, I have this to say. I HATE that this condition exists. It sure sets up the scenario for someone innocent to be smeared by the guilt of his peers. I believe Roger. I am going to choose to believe this man, of whom I have never really be much of a fan. I am going to take his whole career into account...He has always been a "what you see is what you get - no apologies" kinda guy. I think he still is...I am on your side Roger.
One last thing - I am so fed up with reporters, whether political or sports reporters. Is it just me or does anyone else out there think they have an IQ just slightly above a slug. They ask the stupidest questions over and over until I could put a shoe through my TV. It would be nice to see someone actually try to get to the bottom of a story instead of analyzing them with their "expert opinion." Sports fans unite...DOWN WITH EMPTY TALKING HEADS!
Last edited by lflngyankeelover on January 8th at 11:54 AM.
As for all you Canseco, McNamee and Mitchell lovers, who hate the world of nice guys you need to just SHUT-UP!!!!! I understand the need to place food on your table but what I dont understand is why you feel the need to feed off the bottom of the fish tank so often!These athletes are human and we all are guilty of placing them on pedestals but they for the most part deserve some respect and that shouldnt be asking for too much when they give us the joy of sports and they are the reason for some of you having a JOB!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, if you are going to accuse Clemens without any evidence, then you must accuse Manny, Ortiz and all good athletes. This is just another example of reporters being the LEECHES they are!!!
Last edited by yankette on January 9th at 6:12 AM.
I believe in Roger Clemens. I believe Clemens got to where he is through dedication and hard work. I believe he devoted himself to the game of baseball and had that desire to excell in his sport. I think the guy who said this about him is a lying snitch with so much to lose if he didn't come up with some big names. Through my own job I'm familiar with lying snitches and what motivates them to lie.
Now, as a result a great pitcher's reputation has been tarnished. I am however,very disappointed with Clemens' comments regarding the Hall of Fame. He should not say things like what he said about the Hall. Also, he should be concerned greatly that he may not get into it. He certianly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame based on his entire career. He, as well as so many others before him and as so many after him work so hard to become great with an eye towards the Hall of Fame. It means so much to baseball, fans and players.
I know Clemens was speaking out of frustration and anger, but he really needs to be careful about negative comments about baseball and the Hall of Fame. He of course can say what he wants, but in this instance, he disappointed a devoted fan of Baseball and of Clemens. I'll stick by him and continue to be a fan.
Last edited by returntome on January 9th at 6:27 AM.
Returntome,I, myself was also upset about Rogers comment about the Hall of Fame, but like you said, it was out of pure frustration! I know inside this must be tearing him up. What an athlete!!! He has always cared about his image and this is just too much to ####!
Last edited by yankette on January 10th at 5:29 AM.
I am a 24-year-old aspiring baseball writer. I grew up to stories of Willie Mays, the Miracle Mets and the Bronx Zoo from my father. Although my playing days never amounted to much, baseball has always remained my passion. I recently moved to Boston from the midwest and I am enjoying the hype and hysteria of living at the heart of Red Sox Nation. As you can tell from my avatar the Twins are my team, a result of being born and raised in Iowa and attending college in Minnesota. If you're ever in the mood to talk baseball, or any sport for that matter, you can drop me a line or leave a comment on my blog.
In my eyes, Clemens is the greatest pitcher who’s ever lived. He’s got seven Cy Young awards, 354 career wins, eleven All-Star game appearances, two World Series rings and countless other records and accolades. Needless to say he’s proven himself on the field, but now he needs to prove himself in court of public opinion—a battle proving to be far more daunting. 
