President Donald Trump used his San Antonio rally on Wednesday night to honor former baseball star Roger Clemens with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Addressing a packed crowd of supporters, Trump praised the seven‑time Cy Young winner as “maybe the greatest pitcher of all time,” and reiterated his long‑standing call for Clemens to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Trump’s award announcement
“We’re giving him the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump declared. “And, along with the Congressional Medal of Honor, it’s the highest award bestowed upon anyone.” He added that the medal represents “a big step up from the Hall of Fame.” The president’s remarks came near the end of a speech that lasted more than 100 minutes, as the audience’s enthusiasm began to wane.
Clemens’ reaction
Roger Clemens, who grew up in Houston, was present at the event. When Trump called him to the stage, the retired right‑hander said, “Well, I’m stunned. This supersedes anything that obviously I’ve done in my playing career. And to get it from this man, this president, there wouldn’t be another president I’d want to get it from.” Clemens praised the Texas setting, noting, “You’re talking about a winner. That’s a winner right there.”
Background on Clemens and Hall of Fame controversy
Clemens’ career spanned 24 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Houston Astros. Despite his on‑field achievements, he has never been elected to the Hall of Fame because of lingering suspicions that he used performance‑enhancing drugs. The same controversy has affected other baseball greats such as Barry Bonds, who also remain outside the Hall.
Trump has previously championed baseball legends who faced similar scrutiny. In 2025, he granted a posthumous federal pardon to Pete Rose, prompting Major League Baseball to lift its lifetime ban on the all‑time hits leader. Trump continues to advocate for Rose’s Hall of Fame induction, though that effort has yet to succeed.
Presidential Medal of Freedom and past recipients
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, recognizing individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Trump has awarded the medal to a range of athletes and cultural figures during his two terms, including golfer Tiger Woods, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, singer Elvis Presley (posthumously), and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Local significance
The announcement took place in San Antonio, underscoring the president’s effort to connect with Texas supporters and highlight the state’s proud sporting heritage. Clemens, a Houston native, expressed gratitude that the honor was announced on Texas soil, reinforcing the bond between the former pitcher and his home state.
What’s next?
While the medal award is now official, Clemens’ Hall of Fame candidacy remains unresolved. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America continues to vote annually, and the controversy over alleged steroid use persists. Trump’s public endorsement may keep the conversation alive, but the final decision rests with the Hall’s voting members.
President Trump’s decision to honor Clemens reflects his broader pattern of recognizing athletes and cultural icons who embody a spirit of perseverance and achievement, aligning with the administration’s emphasis on celebrating American excellence.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
