Hall of Fame
ROGER CLEMENS
CLASS OF 2022
One of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Clemens won a record seven Cy Young Awards during his 24-year career, was an 11-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion, and ranks third on the all-time strikeout list with 4,672 behind Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson. He intimidated batters with his powerful pitches, earning him the nickname “Rocket,” and is the only pitcher to win over 350 games and strike out more than 4,500 batters.
(Left to Right) Country Music Star Toby Keith and his wife, Tricia Lucus, Debbie Clemens, Roger Clemens, Kory Clemens, and Koby Clemens backstage at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards
Watch Roger Clemens and Toby Keith's interview with Kevin Eschenfelderon, the "Red Carpet" at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards.
Clemens pitched for Spring Woods High School before starting his college career at San Jacinto College. Later in his college career, he led the University of Texas to a College World Series title in 1983 and was then drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 19th overall pick in the first round. He anchored Boston’s rotation for 12 years before spending two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Clemens had worn the No. 21 since his college days, but when he was traded to the New York Yankees in 1999, that number was taken and he eventually chose No. 22, which he wore the remainder of his career.
Following two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000, Clemens retired at the end of the 2003 season, but a few months later, he rejoined former Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte when he signed with the Houston Astros. In that 2004 season, he went 18-4 and, at 42, won his seventh Cy Young, making him the oldest to win that honor. Seven Cy Young awards remain the most in MLB History, and Clemens is also only one of six pitchers to win the award in both the American and National Leagues. The following year, in 2005, he helped the Astros to their first World Series appearance.
Roger receives his commemorative Walk of Fame plaque.
Watch the induction by Toby Keith and the sons of Roger Clemens at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards
“I didn’t play baseball to get in the Hall of Fame,” Clemens said, “It was my passion.” While there is much debate about whether or not Clemens should be in the Hall of Fame, HCHSA stands by our decision to recognize his accomplishments and impact on the City of Houston.
Watch the Roger Clemens induction speech at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards
Roger Clemens on the Walk of Fame.
Roger Clemens and his group of friends and family on the Red Carpet at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards.
Country Music star Toby Keith and Roger Clemens backstage at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards.
Roger Clemens with two of his four sons Koby (left) and Kory (right) backstage at the 2022 Houston Sports Awards
Roger Clemens on the day of his Hall of Fame selection announcement.
Houston Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022, Roger Clemens, Sheryl Swoopes and Clyde Drexler.
