Clemens, Roger (1962-…), ranks among the most dominating pitchers in American baseball history. Clemens became known for his overpowering fast ball, which earned him the nickname “Rocket.”
Clemens won the American League Cy Young Award as the league’s best pitcher in 1986, 1987, and 1991 with the Boston Red Sox; in 1997 and 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays; and in 2001 with the New York Yankees. Clemens won the National League Cy Young Award in 2004 with the Houston Astros. He became the first major league pitcher to win the award seven times. Clemens led the American League in strikeouts five times and in earned run average six times. He led the National League in earned run average in 2005. He won 24 games in 1986 and was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. Clemens holds the American League record with 20 consecutive pitching victories, set in 1998 and 1999. He also holds the American League record for most career strikeouts (4,167) and ranks third behind only Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson for most career strikeouts in the major leagues (4,672). Clemens won 354 games during his career, ninth most in major league history.
William Roger Clemens was born on Aug. 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio. When he was a child, his family moved to Texas. Clemens was offered a baseball contract with the Minnesota Twins after high school, but chose to continue his education. After spending one year at San Jacinto Junior College, Clemens transferred to the University of Texas. He was a star pitcher for the University of Texas, winning the College World Series championship game in 1983. Boston drafted him that year. After pitching for a short time in the minor leagues, Clemens joined the Red Sox in 1984. He signed with Toronto as a free agent after the 1996 season. In 1999, Clemens was traded to the New York Yankees. He pitched for the Houston Astros from 2004 through 2006 and rejoined the Yankees for the 2007 season.
In 2010, a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Clemens on charges that he lied to Congress. In 2008, he had told a congressional committee that he never used performance-enhancing drugs while a player. Clemens denied lying to Congress. A trial began in 2011 but ended quickly when the judge declared a mistrial (inconclusive trial). In 2012, a jury found Clemens not guilty of all charges.
