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Roger Clemens' Mother Loses Battle With Emphysema
Roger Clemens' mother died early Wednesday, and the Houston Astros ace planned to pitch later that night in her honor.
Bess Clemens died at 4:30AM in Georgetown, Texas, because of complications from emphysema, the Astros said. She was 75.
The Rocket was scheduled to start a key game against Florida at home on Wednesday night. The Marlins lead the NL wild-card race, with Houston 1 1/2 games behind.
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner often shared his affection for his mother, saying her health was an important factor as he weighed retirement the past two offseasons.
Clemens also spoke of how much he hoped she'd be able to attend his Hall of Fame induction. His stepfather died when he was young, and his mother has been an inspiration.
"I don't want to speak to two empty chairs," Clemens said after winning the NL Cy Young last year.
Bess Clemens came to Yankee Stadium for his first attempt at his 300th win on May 26, 2003, against Boston. Suffering from emphysema and coming off a recent bout with pneumonia, she wore a breathing tube around her face. But she wasn't able to attend when Clemens won No. 300 two weeks later against St. Louis.
"She's not doing well enough to be here," Clemens said at the time.
His mother did throw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Yankees game in August 2003.
"It was great. They should have let her stay on the mound. She had better stuff than I had," Clemens said.
Now 43, the Rocket is having an outstanding season. He went into his start 11-7 with 171 strikeouts and a major league-leading 1.78 ERA.
Source: AP
Bess Clemens died at 4:30AM in Georgetown, Texas, because of complications from emphysema, the Astros said. She was 75.
The Rocket was scheduled to start a key game against Florida at home on Wednesday night. The Marlins lead the NL wild-card race, with Houston 1 1/2 games behind.
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner often shared his affection for his mother, saying her health was an important factor as he weighed retirement the past two offseasons.
Clemens also spoke of how much he hoped she'd be able to attend his Hall of Fame induction. His stepfather died when he was young, and his mother has been an inspiration.
"I don't want to speak to two empty chairs," Clemens said after winning the NL Cy Young last year.
Bess Clemens came to Yankee Stadium for his first attempt at his 300th win on May 26, 2003, against Boston. Suffering from emphysema and coming off a recent bout with pneumonia, she wore a breathing tube around her face. But she wasn't able to attend when Clemens won No. 300 two weeks later against St. Louis.
"She's not doing well enough to be here," Clemens said at the time.
His mother did throw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Yankees game in August 2003.
"It was great. They should have let her stay on the mound. She had better stuff than I had," Clemens said.
Now 43, the Rocket is having an outstanding season. He went into his start 11-7 with 171 strikeouts and a major league-leading 1.78 ERA.
Source: AP