The Yankees are bringing in a blast from the past this spring, inviting a distinguished group of guest instructors, including seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. Clemens, who last played for the Yankees during his 2007 comeback at 44 years old, will return to help work with the team’s pitching staff. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Clemens is expected to arrive later this week after Boone personally extended the invitation.
“He’s one of my favorite teammates ever,” Boone shared. “When I first joined the Yankees in 2003, I was a little unsure about him, given his reputation for knocking hitters down, but he turned out to be an amazing teammate. He has so much to offer, and a lot of our guys are really excited to work with him.” Clemens will join a star-studded lineup of former Yankees players, as SNY first reported, to help during Spring Training.
Roger ClemensAlong with Clemens, other legends like Bucky Dent, Tino Martinez, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Willie Randolph, CC Sabathia, Alfonso Soriano, and Joe Torre will also make appearances throughout camp. Ron Guidry and Nick Swisher have already arrived. “I’m trying to get more people involved,” said Boone. “It’s great to have so much history and knowledge on hand.”
Clemens’ illustrious career with the Yankees spanned from 1999 to 2003, and he made a brief return in 2007, highlighted by his 300th career victory in 2003. Over a 24-year career, Clemens posted a 354-184 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 4,672 strikeouts. However, his Hall of Fame candidacy was clouded by his involvement in the 2007 Mitchell Report, and 2022 marked his final year on the ballot.
Boone fondly recalled Clemens’ intense approach to the game, saying, “He was totally locked in every day, and it was contagious. Playing behind him was a blast. He would always say, ‘Boonie, coming your way, baby!’ It was just fun, and I’m thrilled to have him back. I was so pumped when I called him, and he was just as excited.”
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