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Red Sox: What if Roger Clemens never left in free agency?

By Charlie Smith

Houston Astros former players Jeff Bagwell (left) and Roger Clemens (right) throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park.
Houston Astros former players Jeff Bagwell (left) and Roger Clemens (right) throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. /
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Roger Clemens in the Bronx

After two stellar seasons playing in Canada, the New York Yankees came calling inquiring for his services. Clemens spent the next five years of his career playing in the Bronx. He wasn’t as effective as when he was in Boston or Toronto but he did have one season where he hit the 20 wins mark. Most importantly, Clemens was able to finally get the award that had long eluded him. The Rocket won two World Series Titles in New York, the first in 1999 and the second in 2000.

Finally, he’d done it. So he wasn’t done, not after seeking number three. 2001 began with a historic run, becoming the first pitcher to start a season 20-1 before finishing his campaign going 20-3. Clemens didn’t lose his second game of the season until September 25, 2001. The Yankees almost won their 3rd straight World Series but the Diamondbacks had other plans, winning their first Title in their history. Clemens won his 6th Cy Young Award in 2001.

During the 2003 campaign, Clemens had stated that he was going to retire from baseball at age 40. A respectable number and after 20 seasons in the league and winning two Titles, he had felt like it was time to hang it up. Clemens put up respectable numbers for the Yankees in five seasons.

Roger Clemens Numbers in New York

Seasons – 5
ERA – 3.99
Wins – 77
Losses – 36
Innings Pitched – 1,004
Strike Outs – 946
Complete Games – 3
Shut Outs – 2

The story of Roger and all his records and memorable moments looked like it was over after his five years in New York, standing ovations and public farewells. The Rocket was full of surprises as his last stop didn’t end in New York this time around.

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