U.S. President Donald Trump made an announcement on Wednesday evening declaring his intention to present retired MLB pitcher Roger Clemens with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, hailing the seven-time Cy Young awardee as potentially the greatest pitcher in history. Speaking at a rally in San Antonio, Trump reiterated his push for Clemens to be included in the Baseball Hall of Fame, an accolade that has eluded the pitcher, nicknamed “The Rocket,” due to suspicions of performance-enhancing drug use throughout his extensive 24-year career with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
During the rally, Trump expressed, “We’re bestowing upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” highlighting it as one of the highest distinctions granted to an individual, alongside the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump further emphasized Clemens’ exceptional athletic abilities, labeling him as one of the greatest athletes and potentially the top pitcher of all time. He underscored that the medal represents a significant elevation from the Hall of Fame.
Throughout his presidential tenure, Trump has honored various athletes, including golf legend Tiger Woods, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, renowned Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, and Lou Holtz, the former coach of Notre Dame football, by presenting them with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The president has also posthumously awarded this accolade to Elvis Presley and prehumously to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.
The unexpected announcement regarding Clemens came towards the end of an extensive speech by Trump that lasted over 100 minutes, when the audience’s enthusiasm had somewhat waned. Clemens, present at the event, was called on stage by the president, eliciting a surprised response from the retired pitcher. Clemens expressed his astonishment, stating, “This surpasses anything that I’ve achieved in my playing career,” and conveyed his admiration for Trump, stating that he couldn’t think of another president from whom he would rather receive this honor.
Raised in Houston, Clemens expressed his appreciation for the announcement being made in Texas and lauded Trump as a true winner. Clemens, along with other notable players like Barry Bonds, has faced repeated rejection by baseball writers in their Hall of Fame candidacies due to widespread suspicions of using performance-enhancing substances. While there remain alternative pathways for Clemens and others to potentially secure Hall of Fame induction, the journey is arduous.
Trump’s advocacy for baseball stars extends beyond Clemens, as demonstrated by his posthumous pardon of the late Pete Rose last year, leading to Major League Baseball overturning its ban on the all-time career hits leader. Trump has also championed Rose’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame, albeit unsuccessfully thus far.