I was putting stuff together and looking at links, this really stuck out to me as something fun to post...mainly because this type of thing never happens. Not "normally doesn't happen", NEVER happens. Nolan Ryan was an old fart when he retired from pitching. He was 46. Buuuutttt....Roger Clemens is 50. He hasn't played in the MLB in close to 5 years. He's gone through court, went through it again, and is still kicking it. He has made 2 starts for the semipro team Sugarland Skeeters this year, and the Houston Astros' owner Jim Crane came out and publicly said that he would sign Clemens but wouldn't start him against a contender. That statement pulled this response out of Clemens:
"I can tell you right now and they would know, too, that if I was going to go do it, I am going to pitch against a contender, that's who I want to knock out. Why would I want to waste my time running around and getting in shape. I get over to Minute Maid (Park), I'll crank it up and get it over 90 for a contender. We'll knock them right out of the playoffs. That would be the fun. Pitching against somebody that's not in contention wouldn't be any fun for me."
Feisty. Clemens style. But dang...I would absolutely PAY to see Clemens pitch in the MLB one more time just for the fun of it! The guy has nothing to lose. Let him have some fun. I mean...his legacy is set as it is--either you see him as one of the greatest pitchers in the modern era or even any era or you see him as a sleazy juicer who really just can't find the decency to admit it--and really, what is one or two starts at age 50 gonna do to change it? He's not Favre-ing. He's having fun. And that's the point of sports anyway, isn't it? I know that isn't so big in the MLB and its farm systems, but I find that sad. So what if a team wants to give an ex-star a chance not so much at redemption but at one more go-round. If it makes them money, what is it to me? And I personally would watch that game. Worth it.
The one thing Clemens needs to weigh is the fact that in a few months he'll be eligible for the Hall of Fame. If he even throws one pitch in a game he will be postponing that for 5 years. Unfortunately for him, that may be irrelevant anyway because of his juicing scandal and the fact that he might not pull the required support to get elected. So for Pete's sake...let the man pitch one-or two-more games!! Let him have some fun. Believe me, the guy probably needs it. Deserves it. Juicer or not, the whole thing is just plain crazy and incredible; and the fact that as many people want to see a 50-year old throw in an actual MLB game just oozes win on so many levels.
Author: Steve Elsner
Blog address: rounding1st.blogspot.com