Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens
William Roger Clemens, nicknamed "Rocket", is a retired American baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseballfor four teams. Clemens was one of the most dominant pitchers in major league history, tallying 354 wins, a 3.12 earned run average, and 4,672 strikeouts, the third-most all time. An 11-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, he won seven Cy Young Awards during his career, the most of any pitcher in history. Clemens was known for his fierce competitive nature...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth4 August 1962
CityDayton, OH
CountryUnited States of America
I know the throwing part of it was fine, and I appreciate the guys letting me get out there and do this. Once we knew we'd be doing the World Game stuff, we talked to (Major League Baseball and got their approval), and it's a nice situation to get out there and get some work done.
I knew when the skipper looked at me and said, 'Put your things on,' he wasn't kidding. So I went out to the bullpen.
As soon as I climbed on the mound, I was lost a little bit, ... I knew I had to gather it up pretty quick and get through that.
There's a big part of my heart that's missing now with my mother gone, ... I knew I pitched for her, but I didn't realize how much I did that.
When Phil turned to me and said, 'Get your jersey and spikes on,' I knew he was dead serious. So we got to it, and I had to pick my spot to get out there in the bullpen. I don't really relish what those guys have to go through.
You knew when it got late, Phil looked at me, ... There's been three or four times throughout the year he asked me how I felt I was swinging the bat or if got my spikes handy. I didn't think he was serious, and he probably wasn't. But the look that he gave me this time was very serious, and there was no kidding about it. And so I got out to the bullpen.
All of these guys had great years, ... Obviously, I knew Jeff and he told me about his younger brother before. I've had the opportunity to talk with the J.P. and Wade as well. They all have a lot of character, will and desire.
I'm sure we'll probably be an underdog. But we've been that before.
I'm sure they could hide me in the outfield. Why not?
I'm sure proud of the guys. It's been a lot of work for us. How 'bout the kid?
I mean, in games like this, it's as important to focus on making pitches. Today I made pitches, quite a few more pitches than I made the other night,
I mean, I'm 43. I can use that as an excuse, can't I?
I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks. I'm glad they asked me to be a part of this and I'm glad my body responded well enough. I'm here and I'm thankful for it.
The ball was coming out of my hand nice. It's going to make my mind a little more at ease getting ready to head out on this trip.