A Proper Forum

Let me state that I have been a fan of Roger Clemens for a long time.

I always thought he was destined to be a first ballot inductee into Cooperstown.

I also urged him to stay home last year and I don' t think a 6-6 record and a 4.18 ERA proved me wrong.

He has just issued a statement denying that he used steroids.

Let me also state that I have always admired Senator George Mitchell who is after all from a state that is as close to "home" as I have. He has made many truly great contributions to his state, to his country and to the world.

Maybe he was put into an impossible situation. Here again everyone in professional baseball has to share some blame. The steroid era existed because Baseball turned a blind eye. From a commissioner who was an owner to greedy owners and equally greedy players, the game that I love was tarnished and will forever have asterisks and footnotes. To try to cover for intentional blindness the commish turned to a highly respected former Senator, but gave him no power. He had no standing with the union and he had no subpoena powers.

I read his report, not all of it, but the nine or so pages that mention Clemens and Pettitte and others. In no other forum would such hearsay be permissable. At least not in our society.

The report cannot be the end of it. There must be a legal setting where Clemens, Pettitte and others can defend themselves.

That's the American way and Baseball deserves nothing less.

Don't Come Back This Time Roger

First Ballot Hall of Fame. No doubt about that.

But, it is time to hang up the spikes, Rocket. You have had a great career; been a dominating power pitcher even in your 40's. Many of your games are classics, including two with 20 strikeouts, still a record. Your place in the game is secure, don't sully it.

You are quoted today as saying, "Full season, half season or at all, I haven't even thought about it," "I just think it's too early to think about it. ... Right now, I don't have any thoughts of playing or not playing."

I have thoughts. The rules of free agency gave you an out this year. Houston failed to pick up your option and they could not talk to you until May. So, you came back in June and pitched well for mere mortals (7-6, ERA of 2.30). From what I saw you were good, but not great.

I have another reservation. The baseball season is long, 162 games, guys get dinged and play through pain. It is not good for the game to have a potential Hall of Famer get a pass for half the season. Play the whole season or retire. That is what everyone else did, it is time for you to live by those rules.

I have another more selfish thought. I want you to retire. I want to still be around to join you in Cooperstown at your Hall of Fame induction.