BRONX, N.Y. — On this date, Feb. 18, 1999, the New York Yankees made a stunning blockbuster trade as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. The club sent ace lefty David Wells, reliever Graeme Lloyd, and utility man Homer Bush to the Toronto Blue Jays Roger Clemens.
At the time Yankees, fans were as shocked as Boomer in hearing the news. Wells was a fan favorite on a historic team with fantastic chemistry.
On the other hand, there was also the excitement of acquiring The Rocket, fresh off two consecutive pitching Triple Crowns. Clemens also carried five Cy Young awards with him and hunger for a title.
During his Bronx career, Clemens got off to a slow start wearing No. 12 but switched to No. 22 and rebounded to win the Game 4 clincher against the Atlanta Braves in the 1999 World Series.
Clemens also helped the Yankees win the 2000 World Series, twirling a one-hitter against the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS and intimidating Mike Piazza and the New York Mets in the Subway Series.
In 2001, Rocket was an AL All-Star, earned the AL Cy Young and helped New York win the pennant. Clemens would pitch for the pinstripes two more seasons and helped them to the 2003 AL pennant.
After a three-year hiatus in Houston, Rocket returned in 2007 to mixed reviews but he and Suzyn Waldman inspired the name of a podcast, George’s Box.
What did you think about this trade Yankees fans? Were you excited about the Rocket or were you broken-hearted about Boomer?
