9°c A few clouds
19°c Sunny
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Ever-competitive Clemens starting over with Skeeters
SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Hours after Roger Clemens agreed to join the Sugar Land Skeeters, he was back on the field playing in an over-50 softball league.
And the ultra-competitive Clemens was quick to point out just how well he did against that group of geezers.
"I hit two homers, by the way," he said.
Things will be a bit tougher on Saturday when he is scheduled to start for the independent Atlantic League team at home against Bridgeport. The right-hander agreed to play for the team on Monday and was introduced on Tuesday.
Whether this all leads to Clemens pitching in the major leagues -- the seven-time Cy Young Award winner played that down.
"I'm 50 years old. We're just going to go out and have fun with this and make it fun for the fans," said Clemens.
Some believe his return to the minor leagues is the first step to another comeback in the major leagues, where he last pitched for the New York Yankees in 2007 at age 45.
Clemens is set to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot this year. If he plays in a major league game this year, his Hall consideration would be pushed back five years.
He isn't sure how he'll be perceived by voters.
"Sure, the Hall of Fame is great, I've told people that. But it's not going to change my life either way," he said.
"But if there's something there that somebody feels like they have a grudge or want to hold something against you, I can't control that one bit."
Clemens was accused by former personal trainer Brian McNamee in the Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball of using steroids and human growth hormones, allegations Clemens denied before Congress. The Justice Department began an investigation concerning whether Clemens had lied under oath, and in 2010 a grand jury indicted him on two counts of perjury, three counts of making false statements and one count of obstructing Congress.
He was acquitted of all the charges on June 19 after a 10-week trial and has largely stayed out of the public spotlight until now.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 22, 2012 D4
More Baseball
- Back to Top
- Return to Baseball
More Baseball
(1 of 14 articles for today)
Cardinals jump on Volquez in 5th inning of 10-2 victory
1:05 AM 0SAN DIEGO - The St. Louis Cardinals figured out San Diego right-hander Edinson Volquez the third time through the order.
Volquez ...
Poll
Most Popular Baseball
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Dickey's wobblers save Jays
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Goldeyes general glowing
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Nationals reliever Ryan Mattheus breaks pitching hand punching locker following rough outing
- St. Louis rookie Shelby Miller chased in 6th inning, takes loss as Padres beat Cardinals 4-2
- White Sox chairman Reinsdorf recommends family succession plan that includes selling team
- 2013 Goldeyes schedule
- Giants pitcher Affeldt reveals in new book how he overcame homophobia, no longer judges others
- Goldeyes general glowing
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Fish prepping for opener in Texas
- Goldeyes send pair of players packing
- Goldeyes sign rookie pitcher, release Osuna
- Elbow surgery for Blue Jays pitcher
- Dickey's wobblers save Jays
- Jays recall outfielder Gose from Buffalo, much to outfielder's surprise
- Goldeyes' hurler living the dream, even in nightmare of first pro outing
- Goldeyes general glowing
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Goldeyes release pair of pitchers
- Rift repaired, Little League and family of founder Carl Stotz collaborate on museum exhibit
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Trial where ex-wife wants Dodger divorce settlement thrown out ends; ruling expected in summer
- Back at ballpark after being hit by line drive, pitcher JA Happ says 'I feel really fortunate'
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Fish prepping for opener in Texas
- Rockies INF D.J. LeMahieu works his way back to the big leagues, LHP Francis goes on 15-day DL
- Jays finally punch back
- 2013 Goldeyes schedule
- Marlins-Twins game postponed by a day due to bad weather; Minnesota has 4th washout in 9 days
- Happy campers
- Goldeyes' hurler living the dream, even in nightmare of first pro outing
- MLB suspends, fines umpires after acknowledging 2nd mistake in 2 days
- Goldeyes release pair of pitchers
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.