Roger, over and out

Associated Press photo

Needing only seven victories to reach 300 for his career, Roger Clemens 21 years ago today signs a one-year, $10.1 million contract to return to the New York Yankees.

“My feeling,” the 40-year-old Clemens says at the time, “is right now I don’t anticipate playing past this year. I plan on going out the right way – like I always have, full throttle.”

Oh, Clemens gets those seven victories – and more – in 2003 as he goes 17-9 for the Yankees to run his career record to 310-160.

Roger Clemens with the Astros

So, there is no retirement. At least not yet as Clemens, a free agent after his “last” season with the Yankees, then goes home to Texas and joins the Houston Astros 2004.

He stays there for three more seasons before returning to the Yankees in 2007 and, yes, this time finally retiring at the age of 45.

Clemens’ record over his last four seasons is .44-24, pushing his career totals to 354-184 with a record seven Cy Young Awards.

Seemingly more than enough to put Clemens in the Hall of Fame, but that honor has been put on hold as the voters who determine such things still debate Clemens’ alleged use of illegal pharmaceuticals to bolster his career.

“I’m angry that what I’ve done for the game of baseball … that I don’t get the benefit of the doubt,” Clemens says during a 2008 interview with 60 Minutes. “That stuff that’s being said, it’s ridiculous. It’s hogwash for people to even assume this.”