GoG Nomination: William Roger Clemens
January 16th, 2008 by Tank
The question isn’t whether he broke a few rules, or took a few liberties with illicit substances. I submit that the only issue in question is not whether Clemens belongs in the Gallery of Greatness, but rather whether he is, in fact, the greatest pitcher ever. Seven Cy Youngs, 1 MVP, 11-time All Star, 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, three times posted an ERA less than half the league average. Career WHIP of 1.17. The award for best pitcher in the league is named for the wrong Red Sox.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:25 am
We can debate where he ranks all-time - personally, I’ve got him #2 behind Walter Johnson. But I see no debate for his candidacy for the GoG (nor for Cooperstown, fwiw).
And in anticipation of the “but he cheated with steroids” concern… spare me. It may have added a few more wins, some strikeouts, and *possibly* lowered his career ERA by a minute margin - but there are two main reasons this shouldn’t be an issue: (1) Yes - he was a GoG’er even if you disregard the time in question, and (2) More players than not were on the juice, so if anything, he had a level playing field.
I defy anyone to provide a legitimate argument against Clemens going into the GoG (or HoF for that matter). He may well be a Class A Jerk, and I happen to think he’s currently lying (in part cuz he’s lied before) - but based on the merits, i.e. what he did on the field… there can be no dispute.
January 19th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Agree he’s in the HOF (and GoG) regardless, but I believe he’s only risen to such a high stature due to PED.
Just like Bonds - another HOFer before the drugs, but no way he becomes HR king without ‘em…
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
OK, it’s been a week - last call for objections to Rocket’s induction?
I wonder how he’ll do on the nails.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:44 am
He’s used to getting stuck with small sharp objects… so I suspect he’ll be fine.
Incidentally, when I first read your reply, I read it quickly as “it’s been weak”… which it has been. Are Tank, Gonzo, and I the only actual nominators/voters for the GoG? Is that how it’s gonna be?