“I Put The Hall of Fame in the Rear View 10 Years Ago” – Boston Red Sox Legend Roger Clemens Makes a Statement After Final Snub

Baseball fans are looking for as many methods to consume their favorite sport as the lockout lumbers. And while the announcements for the yearly induction into the Hall of Fame come as a welcome breath of fresh air, this year there’s a slight bitter tinge to it too. In some part because of the snub of legendary batter Barry Bonds and iconic pitcher Roger Clemens. But Clemens showed his class in a statement that he put out on social media.

Roger Clemens was an all-time great pitcher. The man pitched for a variety of teams in the AL and dominated the decade of the 80s. Clemens was a performer in every facet of the game and won several accolades in both capacities as an individual as well as team laurels. His 7 Cy Young Award wins are more than any other pitcher.

Watch this Story: MLB Legends Who Were Snubbed From The Hall Of Fame

Roger Clemens delivers a statement

Clemens started his career with the Red Sox but made his way across the NL in his career. His most dominant stretches came across the decade of the 90s and into the early 2000s. He was monumental in the Red Sox’s 1986 campaign, even winning the AL MVP. With a frankly ridiculous statline, in which he went 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA, Clemens is right up there with the best of them all.

Ever classy, the 2-time World Series champion took to Twitter to announce that he has long put the Hall of Fame behind him and that the snub didn’t really change how he views the game. Said Clemens,” I put the HOF (Hall of Fame) in the rear view 10 years ago.”

With the pitcher making his first feature on the ballot in 2013, he has spent 10 years without being inducted into the coveted Cooperstown spot. He, however, maintained that the Hall of Fame wasn’t why he played the game. Said Clemens, “I played to make a generational difference in the lives of my family,”. Ever competitive, the pitcher couldn’t keep himself from adding, “The focus was on winning championships while giving back to my community and the fans as well. It was my passion.”

He expressed acute recognition for the fans that looked out for Clemens and recognized his claim to the spot. Clemens thanked them all.

Sounding a bit relieved that he would finally be able to put this all behind him, Clemens said, “I am grateful for that support.” Even taking the time to thank his voters, and maybe a bit tongue in cheek, Clemens added,” I would like to thank those who took the time to look at the facts and vote for me.”

Stay classy Roger “Rocket” Clemens! Stay classy!