U.S. President Donald Trump made an announcement on Wednesday night regarding the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to retired Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens. Trump praised Clemens as potentially the greatest pitcher in baseball history, emphasizing his seven Cy Young awards. Speaking at a rally in San Antonio, Trump reiterated his support for Clemens’ induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a recognition that has eluded the former pitcher due to allegations of steroid use throughout his career with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
During his speech, Trump highlighted the significance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, stating it as one of the highest honors bestowed on an individual alongside the Congressional Medal of Honor. He expressed his belief that Clemens will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging him as one of the greatest athletes and pitchers of all time.
Trump has previously honored several athletes with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his tenure, including Tiger Woods, Roger Staubach, Mariano Rivera, and Lou Holtz. Notably, the late Elvis Presley and Rush Limbaugh were also posthumously awarded the prestigious medal.
The announcement of Clemens receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom came as a surprise towards the end of Trump’s lengthy speech in San Antonio, where Clemens himself was present. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Clemens stated, “This supersedes anything that obviously I’ve done in my playing career,” expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed by President Trump.
Clemens, a Houston native, appreciated the announcement being made in Texas and praised Trump as a winner. Despite facing scrutiny and rejection from baseball writers for suspected PED use, Clemens remains hopeful for future avenues of recognition in the sport. Trump has been an advocate for other baseball legends like Pete Rose, pushing for their inclusion in the Hall of Fame, though success has yet to be achieved in those endeavors.