Roger Clemens, for the 10th and final time, wasn’t voted into the Hall of Fame.
His reaction? Essentially the shrug emoji.
On Twitter, the retired Yankees pitcher let everyone know Tuesday that he didn’t think not being elected to Cooperstown was important to him. (Or at least he wanted us to think that way.)
“Hey y’all! I figured I’d give y’all a statement since it’s that time of the year again,” Clemens said in a statement. “My family and I put the HOF in the rear view mirror ten years ago. I didn’t play baseball to get into the HOF. I played to make a generational difference in the lives of my family. Then focus on winning championships while giving back to my community and the fans as well. It was my passion.”
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Legendary Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was the lone player selected Tuesday.
Of course, Clemens — a seven-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion — may have been one of the best pitchers of all-time.
But his links to steroid use kept him off the ballots of enough Baseball Writers Association of America voters, the way they kept Barry Bonds out of the Hall, too. Players needed to appear on 75% of ballots to earn enshrinement. Clemens, in his last lap, appeared on 65.2% of ballots.
“I gave it all I had, the right way, for my family and for the fans who supported me,” Clemens continued in the statement. “I am grateful for that support. I would like to thank those who took the time to look at the facts and vote for me. Hopefully everyone can now close this book and keep their eyes forward focusing on what is really important in life. All love!”
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com.
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