Kenya
Nigeria
Ghana
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States
India
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Cameroon
Ivory CoastTrump Announces Presidential Medal of Freedom for Pitcher Roger Clemens
President Donald Trump announced he will award Roger Clemens the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him one of the greatest pitchers ever.
Trump Honors Clemens with Highest Award
President Donald Trump has announced that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to legendary pitcher Roger Clemens. Trump made the announcement during a rally in San Antonio, calling the seven time Cy Young winner "maybe the greatest pitcher of all time."
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest awards bestowed upon anyone, alongside the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump stated that the medal is "a big step up from the Hall of Fame" and expressed his belief that Clemens deserves both honors.
The Pitcher Reacts to the Surprise
Clemens, nicknamed "The Rocket," was in attendance at the Texas event when the surprise announcement was made near the end of Trump's speech. Called to the stage by the president, the retired right hander expressed his shock.
"Well, I'm stunned," Clemens said. He added that the honor supersedes anything he accomplished during his playing career, and noted there was no other president he would want to receive it from. Clemens, who grew up in Houston, was pleased the announcement happened in his home state, calling Trump "a winner."
The Hall of Fame Debate
Clemens played for 24 years in the major leagues, spending time with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Houston Astros. Despite his stellar career, he has not been voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame due to suspicions of steroid use.
Baseball writers have repeatedly rejected Clemens and other stars from his era, such as Barry Bonds, due to suspected performance enhancing drug use. Trump has previously advocated for other players, including Pete Rose, whom the president pardoned posthumously last year while calling for his Hall of Fame induction.
Trump's History with Sports Figures
Clemens joins a list of notable sports figures to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump. Other athletes honored during Trump's presidency include golf star Tiger Woods, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, and legendary Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
College football coach Lou Holtz also received the medal, alongside non athletes like Elvis Presley and radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Where to go next
On this site
Note: we do not get paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
