As a big sports and media collector, I jump at the chance to save editions of local papers when significant events occur. Such was the case when Roger Clemens won his 300th game as a member of the Yankees, the most storied franchise in sports, one that values loyalty as much as administering pain across New England every summer.
It was sad to see Clemens bid farewell to baseball after Game 4 of the World Series. I had really become a fan of his, forgetting the time I was at the Stadium and he, while picthing for Toronto, blatantly plunked a Yankee after the Bombers hit him with two straight comebackers and followed with a rally that cleared the bases with two outs. (Hideki Irabu's first pitch of the next inning hit a Blue Jay in the back, leaving a welt with Clemens' name on it.)
Luckily, I still had the June 14, 2003, editions of the New York Daily News and the New York Post to remind me that Roger Clemens was always there when you needed him. (See larger image.)
I usually preserve such keepsakes in pristine condition, but unfortunately those newspapers endured significant damage this week, the massive tears rendering them unsellable on the secondary market. The good news is that I have become more environmentally conscious of late.
If I hold onto them, I hope to get them autographed by Clemens someday. Perhaps at the World Series, when the Yankees sell him a Tier Reserved seat in Section U11 for 50% off, or maybe at a future Old Timer's Day when he is announced somewhere between Oscar Gamble and Phil Linz.
Does this mean you no longer want the Yankee logo on his Cooperstown plaque?
Posted by Ken Goldstein at January 14, 2004 1:02 AM