Roger Clemens back in New York
After 13 years in Boston, two years in Toronto, five years in the Bronx, and three in Houston, Clemens STILL wasn’t 100% done. After making an announcement at the then old Yankee Stadium, fans heard the old Rocket say:
"“Thank y’all. Well they came and got me out of Texas, and uhh, I can tell you it’s a privilege to be back. I’ll be talkin’ to y’all soon.”"
The Yankees later revealed that at 44 years old, the Rocket was back to play after being asked by the late George Steinbrenner to come back. He was again a Yankee, agreeing to a prorated one-year deal worth over $28 million dollars. His monthly salary was about $4.7 million and after the season was over, he would have accumulated almost $19 million, which was the equivalent to over $1 million dollars per start.
There certainly was no telling how sweet a home run felt if you hit one off of ole’ Rog in 2007. Clemens was able to win his 350th career game as a member of the Yankees and finished with 354 wins, 9th all time, just one shy of matching Greg Maddux for 8th all time.
It was a fitting end for Roger Clemens who faced the drafted him 24 years prior. He recorded a no decision while allowing one run on two hits, walking three and struck out four. Finally, yes FINALLY, after 24 memorable years, 7 Cy Young Awards, 2 World Series Championship Titles, the Rocket had finally smoked out.
Now all that’s left is to answer our question that started it all, was it a mistake to let Roger walk?