BRONX, N.Y. — Early during the 2007 season, the New York Yankees were sputtering along. The Pinstripes sported a record of 13-15 and were hosting the Seattle Mariners for a weekend series at Yankee Stadium. Yes, Andy Pettitte was back in the mix but the Kei Igawa era never quite took off.
Rumors had simmered throughout spring training in Tampa in March and on a Sunday afternoon in May it finally happened. Roger Clemens was back with the Yankees and made the surprise announcement.
The surprise announcement spurred an equally spontaneous reaction from Yankees radio broadcaster Suzyn Waldman. Everyone got a kick out of it but to her credit, Suzyn was just conveying the excitement of every Yankee fan at that moment.
The 44-year-old Rocket would sign a one-year deal worth a pro-rated $28 million.
Clemens pitched to a 4.18 ERA in 99.0 innings pitched. It was an up and down return but he did help the club secured a Wild Card berth.
Goodness gracious, of all the dramatic things indeed!
