Roger Clemens Comes Out of Retirement Joins New York Yankees

Roger Clemens returns to baseball as a New York Yankee. The seventh-inning stretch was ending when the low, familiar voice of public-address announcer Bob Sheppard told fans at Yankee Stadium to direct their attention to the owner’s box behind home plate.

Standing there, microphone in hand, was Roger Clemens to personally announce his return to New York.

“Well, they came and got me out of Texas and I can tell you it’s a privilege to be back,” he said. “I’ll be talking to y’all soon.” Yes cause Steinbrener wants to buy another world series championship.

With his brief address, shown on the right-center field video board to 52,553 fans and many more watching on television, the Rocket rejoined the Yankees in most dramatic fashion.

He agreed to a $28 million, one-year contract that will start when he is added to the major league roster for his first start, most likely in three to four weeks. Clemens will earn about $18.5 million under the deal, which will cost the Yankees approximately $7.4 million in additional luxury tax, meaning they are investing about $26 million in a seven-time Cy Young Award winner who will turn 45 in August. I’ve never hated the Yankees more. Especially since Johnny Damon left the Red Sox to go to New York.

The declaration of Clemens’ return drew a huge ovation from the crowd of 52,553 fans, as his presence is expected to boost the Yankees’ quest for a 27th World Series title. I bet the 100 or so Red Sox fans at Yankee stadium clapped to since Clemens did pitch for the Red Sox too.

“I am excited being back,” Clemens said in a postgame press conference. “I am locked in here and I know what to expect coming back. I think I can bring experience.” Yes but have you ever had a baseball movie made about your fans?

He collected his lone Cy Young Award with the Yankees in 2001, going 20-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 33 starts. Roger Clemens, 44, returns to a team that he pitched for between 1999-2003, helping the Yankees to World Series titles in 1999 and 2000. Anyone heard any good Red Sox jokes lately?