Clemens leaves the mound for the last time for the 57th time
Ben Godar
You may have witnessed history this evening. But probably not.
Another lackluster performance by Team USA in the World Baseball Classic was interrupted by another slow walk from the mound by Roger Clemens for, what Jon Miller reminded us, "could be the last time."
Clemens has called it quits so many times, they actually aired a retrospective of Clemens farewells. Remember the standing ovation from Marlins players during the ’03 World Series? Or the gracious applause from Red Sox Nation?
The Roger Clemens Farewell Tour is making Michael Jordan’s exit look prompt and graceful. Clemens is still on top of his game, but you get the feeling he’s heading for his own stint with the Washington Wizards, so to speak.
But it’s not just all the premature sentiment that burns at me, it’s the absolute ambivalence with which Clemens is leaving the game. While teammate Jeff Bagwell drags his dead arm into camp hoping to play one more season, The Rocket works out on his own and says he’s probably done, but might change his mind. You know, if he feels like it.
This coming from a guy who already stays home on days he’s not pitching. In other words, a team leader, a real clubhouse guy. I don’t put much stock in all that "honor of sports" garbage, but I find it hard to root for a guy who’s about as dedicated as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
If Roger Clemens wants to slowly back out of the game, hedging at every opportunity, I guess that’s how it’s going to be. He’s obviously talented enough. But don’t expect me to care every time he walks off the mound. I’ve said my goodbyes.
You may have witnessed history this evening. But probably not.
Another lackluster performance by Team USA in the World Baseball Classic was interrupted by another slow walk from the mound by Roger Clemens for, what Jon Miller reminded us, "could be the last time."
Clemens has called it quits so many times, they actually aired a retrospective of Clemens farewells. Remember the standing ovation from Marlins players during the ’03 World Series? Or the gracious applause from Red Sox Nation?
The Roger Clemens Farewell Tour is making Michael Jordan’s exit look prompt and graceful. Clemens is still on top of his game, but you get the feeling he’s heading for his own stint with the Washington Wizards, so to speak.
But it’s not just all the premature sentiment that burns at me, it’s the absolute ambivalence with which Clemens is leaving the game. While teammate Jeff Bagwell drags his dead arm into camp hoping to play one more season, The Rocket works out on his own and says he’s probably done, but might change his mind. You know, if he feels like it.
This coming from a guy who already stays home on days he’s not pitching. In other words, a team leader, a real clubhouse guy. I don’t put much stock in all that "honor of sports" garbage, but I find it hard to root for a guy who’s about as dedicated as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
If Roger Clemens wants to slowly back out of the game, hedging at every opportunity, I guess that’s how it’s going to be. He’s obviously talented enough. But don’t expect me to care every time he walks off the mound. I’ve said my goodbyes.
posted by Ben Godar at 11:31 PM
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