As the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros prepare for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday night, the hosts have a surprise for fans in attendance.
One of the best and most influential pitchers in franchise history, Roger Clemens, will be in attendance.
“Roger Clemens is throwing out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch for #ALCS Game 1,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Roger Clemens is throwing out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch for #ALCS Game 1. 🚀
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 19, 2022
Clemens was huge for the Astros as they made it all the way to the World Series in 2005.
That year, he went 13-8 with an incredible 1.87 ERA in 211 frames.
They lost to the Chicago White Sox, but Clemens was magnificent in the regular season.
However, as it turns out, the “Rocket” was also a major piece in the Yankees’ late-90s dynasty.
A Major Piece In Both Franchises
Clemens won World Series with the Bombers in 1999 and 2000.
He stayed in the Bronx until 2002: he signed with the Astros in 2003, until 2006.
That year, he returned to the Yankees to retire there in 2007.
It’s fair to say he had a major role in both franchises in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Clemens went on to complete an amazing career that included 11 All-Star berths (1986, 1988, 1990–1992, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003–2005), two World Series rings (1999, 2000), a record seven Cy Young awards (1986, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004), the AL MVP in 1986 and two pitching Triple Crowns (1997, 1998).
He retired with a 354–184 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 4,672 strikeouts.
Allegations of steroids use have gotten in the way of Clemens entering the National Baseball Hall of Fame, however, despite clearly having enough numbers to do so.
Tonight, however, will be a night of celebration for the “Rocket”, as he will be saluted by two of the teams that occupy a place in his heart.
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