President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday evening that he would bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon retired MLB pitcher Roger Clemens, labeling the seven-time Cy Young awardee as potentially the greatest pitcher in history. Speaking at a rally in San Antonio, Trump reiterated his advocacy for Clemens’ induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, an accolade that has eluded the pitcher known as “The Rocket” due to suspicions of steroid use throughout his 24-year career with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
During his address, Trump emphasized the significance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing it as one of the highest honors attainable, alongside the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump expressed confidence in Clemens eventually securing a spot in the Hall of Fame, emphasizing the pitcher’s exceptional athletic prowess and pitching mastery.
The President highlighted the prestigious nature of the medal, stating that it surpasses the recognition of the Hall of Fame. Trump’s tenure has seen him present this honor to various athletes, including Tiger Woods, Roger Staubach, Mariano Rivera, and Lou Holtz, among others.
The unexpected announcement came towards the conclusion of a lengthy speech by Trump, where Clemens, visibly surprised, joined him on stage. The retired pitcher expressed his astonishment at the recognition, acknowledging the significance of the award and the esteem in which he held the President.
Clemens, who hails from Houston, expressed gratitude for the announcement taking place in Texas and commended Trump as a true winner. Despite facing rejection from baseball writers for suspected performance-enhancing drug use, Clemens, like other star athletes, continues to pursue avenues for Hall of Fame induction, a path fraught with challenges.
Trump’s advocacy for baseball icons extends to Pete Rose, for whom he issued a posthumous pardon, leading to the lifting of Major League Baseball’s ban on the all-time hits leader. Trump has also championed Rose’s induction into the Hall of Fame, a campaign that remains unfulfilled to date.