MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the 2020 ballot

Roger Clemens – eighth year on ballot (59.5% in 2019)

If Barry Bonds is considered one of the poster boys for the PED Era, then Roger Clemens is another.

Just like Bonds, Clemens never failed a PED test. And, like Bonds again, he was a part of the Mitchell Report. Clemens ended up testifying in front of the U.S. House of Representatives against his former trainer Brian McNamee, and former teammate Andy Pettitte, who claimed that Clemens told him he used PEDs. He also faced perjury charges, but was eventually acquitted.

Those allegations overshadowed what was a stellar career. Clemens was an 11 time All Star, and won the pitching Triple Crown twice. A seven time Cy Young winner, he was also named the 1986 AL and All Star Game MVPs. In his career, he posted a 354-184 record, along with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.173 WHiP. Over his 4916.2 innings, he struck out 4672 batters while issuing 1580 walks.

While there is no proof that Clemens used PEDs, circumstantial evidence is damning. He had four mediocre years at the end of his time with the Red Sox, then suddenly became a star again with the Blue Jays. Clemens got better in his late 30s and into his 40s, one of the best pitchers in the game. Yet, as with Bonds, it was the Steroid Era – even if he was doing something, he was still one of the best there was.

Roger Clemens is likely to end up in the MLB Hall of Fame. It just may take until his final year on the ballot before he and Bonds are inducted together.