Roger Clemens made his first start for the Sugarland Skeeters on Saturday night, and the 50-year-old was remarkably effective on the mound.
He pitched three and one-third innings and gave up just one hit and no runs while recording two strikeouts. He left the game when the Skeeters were up 1-0.
Clemens and the Skeeters—based in the Houston, Texas area—took on the Bridgeport Bluefish in an Atlantic League matchup. The league is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, but it does maintain a high level of competition and former big-leaguers Scott Kazmir, Tim Redding and Jason Lane all on the Skeeters’ pitching staff.
Clemens’ comeback comes on the heels of his acquittal for obstruction of justice charges that stem from accusations that he lied to Congress in 2008 about using steroids.
He signed with the Skeeters on August 21 and has refused to acknowledge whether or not this is a temporary stop on the road to something bigger. If he does hope for a return to the majors, he made an intriguing case for the opportunity to become the oldest man ever to win a Major League Baseball game.
Here are grades and analysis from his first outing since 2007.
Speed: B+
Clemens’ fastball peaked at 88 miles per hour. While this is not impressive by major league standards, most 50-year-olds would have a heart attack if they did anything at this speed.
He was able to mix up his pitches to allow his fastball to be more effective. His speed was nothing close to the ridiculous numbers he used to put on radar guns, but it was good enough to allow him to get outs.
Control: A+
The Rocket could not rely on the firepower that he had earlier in his career, but he was remarkably accurate throughout his three innings of work. His mechanics were flawless, and he was incredibly consistent with his placement.
He retired 10 out of the 11 batters he faced. He got 10 outs on just 37 pitches, as his excellent control was the main reason he was able to succeed on the night.
Overall: A-
Clemens easily exceeded expectations for a 50-year-old player who had not played professionally in five years. He struck out two batters while getting four to ground out and four more to fly out.
This is the kind of the savvy pitching that a 35-year-old pitcher needs to succeed. Clemens is 50, so he will have to be even craftier going forward, and he showed tonight that he is capable of doing just that at a high level.
What This Performance Means
Clemens passed his first test with flying colors. Whatever he is trying to accomplish with this comeback, he has taken a big step forward with this performance.
If this is a farewell tour to put an image of Clemens with a baseball uniform on his back instead of a suit and tie back into the public conscience, then he has succeeded.
If Clemens is sincerely trying to play Major League Baseball again, then he certainly caught the attention of any any scout watching him tonight.
Where Clemens Goes From Here
At his age, as much rest and ice as possible should be on his agenda in the coming days. After that, he must stay healthy and continue to play like he did tonight.
If he can avoid an injury and exercise the same control over his pitches, then he may not be with the Skeeters for much longer.
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