Each year the Baseball Writers Association of America gather to determine which of the former players have the credentials to become a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Voters are told to also consider “personal shortcomings with candidates” when deciding who should be a part of the Hall of Fame.
The Commissioner of Major League Baseball has no say in who gets inducted into the Hall of Fame. As baseball fans saw last year, Commissioner Bob Manfred can make a determination of who can be eligible for induction when he lifted the ban on Pete Rose who had received a lifetime ban after gambling on baseball games. Rose died last year and Manfred lifted the ban.
But after a golf game involving retired MLB player Roger Clemens and the White House resident, the White House made the decision to phone Commissioner Manfred saying, “we had a great time, he’s an amazing guy. I said, ‘I’m going to call the commissioner of baseball.’ It’s a ridiculous thing that you’re not in the Hall of Fame with that kind of record. He won seven Cy Youngs!”
Players can only be on the Hall of Fame ballot for 10 years; after that, they can only be inducted via one of the Era Committees. Clemens exhausted his 10 year eligibility in 2022.
While Clemens is not a Hall of Famer, he will soon be a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient; thanks to his White House golfing partner.
The announcement was made on Oct 8 during a “rally” in San Antonio.
Along with his seven Cy Young Awards – two more than any other pitcher – Clemens has two World Series rings, is an eleven time All-Star selection, an American League MVP, has two 20-strikeout games, and is a two time triple crown winner.
Inductees must receive 75% of the votes from the BBWAA voters; Clemens never earned more than 65.2% – on his final year of eligibility – on the ballot. The Era Committee has given him a vote of only 25% in both of their ballots.
While he has repeatedly denied it, Clemens has reportedly been a steroid user – a banned substance in the MLB. He is one of several outstanding baseball players who have been denied induction into the Hall of Fame under allegations of steroid use.
Clemens golfing buddy notes, “people talk drugs, he never admitted to anything. They have no information. They didn’t find anything. It’s not like, ‘Oh jeez, load it up.’ He never admitted to anything. He’s just a physical monster, OK?”
There have been some rule changes for eligibly into the Baseball Hall of Fame and Clemens will be eligible again in 2031 but if he doesn’t receive at least five votes, he will permanently removed from the eligibility list.
After hearing that he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom Clemens said, “I’m stunned, number one. Twenty-four years, y’all, this supersedes anything I’ve done in my playing career. To get it from this man, this president, there wouldn’t be another president I’d want to get it from.”
Traditionally, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented for:
Civic Contributions — The medal is awarded for notable service to the nation, particularly during times of war, such as World War II.
Cultural Impact — Recipients often include individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture, enhancing the American experience.
Public Service — It recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to public service, impacting communities and the nation positively.
Scientific Achievements — The award is also given for groundbreaking work in science and technology that benefits society.