Roger Clemens’s early professional career was marked by both remarkable achievements and notable challenges, particularly during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1980s. After being drafted, Clemens quickly demonstrated his potential by leading Boston’s Double-A affiliate in New Britain, Connecticut, to the 1983 Eastern League title. This success set the stage for his rise to the major leagues.
In a pivotal moment early in his major league career, Clemens delivered a performance that remains etched in baseball history. On April 29, 1986, just before the start of his third season, Clemens nearly missed pitching against the Seattle Mariners due to heavy traffic. A police officer on a motorcycle escorted him and his wife, Debbie, allowing the right-hander to arrive on time. Clemens went on to strike out 20 batters, setting a major league record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. The game was witnessed by a young Sam Kennedy—then 12 years old and now the Red Sox president—who watched with his father from their home before heading to Fenway Park.
That season, the Red Sox reached the verge of capturing their first World Series title since 1918, advancing to the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets. Clemens started Game 6 at Shea Stadium, delivering a strong performance by striking out eight over seven innings. Despite Boston holding a 3-2 lead, Clemens was taken out of the game, a decision that has been a subject of contention. Manager John McNamara, who passed away in 2020, maintained that Clemens requested to be removed, citing the pitcher’s discomfort. Clemens disputes this, explaining that while a blister on his middle finger limited his ability to throw his slider, he did not want to leave the game.
The game culminated in a dramatic and painful moment for the Red Sox and their fans. With Boston leading 5-3 in extra innings, the Mets staged a rally that ended when Mookie Wilson’s groundball slipped through first baseman Bill Buckner’s legs, allowing the Mets to score the winning run. The Red Sox ultimately lost both Game 7 and the series, cementing a heartbreak that resonated deeply with the team and the city.
Clemens’s subsequent years with Boston brought further challenges. Although he hoped to return to the World Series, his last significant postseason appearance with the Red Sox came in the 1990 American League Championship Series against the Oakland Athletics. In Game 4, Clemens was ejected early for arguing with the umpire over the strike zone, ending his chance to influence the postseason outcome.
Reflecting on the near-miss in 1986, Clemens acknowledged the disappointment. “Man, we were so close,” he said. “I thought it was gonna be a way of life.” His time with Boston remains defined by both his individual prowess and the team’s elusive pursuit of championship success.