U.S. President Donald Trump made an announcement on Wednesday evening, declaring that he would bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon retired MLB pitcher Roger Clemens, referring to him as “potentially the greatest pitcher in history” with 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, which has been delayed due to suspicions of steroid use during Clemens’ lengthy career playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
During his speech, Trump emphasized the significance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing it as one of the highest honors bestowed upon an individual, alongside the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump expressed confidence that Clemens would eventually be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, underscoring his belief in Clemens’ exceptional athletic prowess and pitching skills.
Highlighting his administration’s recognition of sporting achievements, Trump mentioned previous recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Tiger Woods, Roger Staubach, Mariano Rivera, and Lou Holtz. Notably, Trump posthumously honored Elvis Presley and Rush Limbaugh with the same accolade.
The revelation of Clemens receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom came as a surprise towards the end of Trump’s lengthy speech, which Clemens attended. The announcement left Clemens visibly moved, expressing his astonishment and gratitude for the honor. Clemens, hailing from Houston, remarked on the significance of receiving the award in Texas and praised Trump as a true winner.
Despite facing speculation about performance-enhancing drug use, Clemens, along with other athletes like Barry Bonds, has faced rejection by baseball writers in Hall of Fame voting. Trump has been vocal in advocating for Clemens and previously pushed for Pete Rose’s induction, resulting in a pardon and the lifting of Rose’s ban from Major League Baseball, although Rose’s Hall of Fame candidacy remains unresolved.
