The MLB Draft has come and gone. The Longhorns saw one of their own in pitcher Bryce Elder taken. Baseball has the University of Texas has a long and storied history. They have won multiple National Championships with the most recent coming in 2005. The Longhorns have the second-most titles in NCAA history, tied with LSU. While they have won six titles, they been invited to play for six more.
In a recent article on USA TODAY Sports, the best players were discussed as it pertains to their draft slot. Former Longhorn Roger Clemens made the list as the best ever to be selected at pick 19. He would go on to play in the Majors for a total of 24 years.
Roger Clemens (1983, Red Sox) – With 354 career wins and 4,672 strikeouts, Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers ever.
Others: Bobby Grich (1967, Orioles), Shannon Stewart (1992, Blue Jays), Alex Rios (1999, Blue Jays)
Clemens is currently third on the all-time list for strikeouts behind Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson. He finished his career with 536 more strikeouts than Steve Carlton. Clemens’ 354 career wins puts him ninth in MLB history, one behind Greg Maddux.
The man nicknamed “The Rocket” played two seasons for the Texas Longhorns after transferring from San Jacinto College North.
Accomplishments
- 12-2 record with 1.99 ERA in 1982
- 13-5 record with 3.04 ERA in 1983
- Winning pitcher in the 1983 National Champion game against Alabama
- Led the Longhorns to consecutive College World Series appearances in 1982-83
- 1986 American League MVP
- AL Cy Young Award winner in 1986, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2004 (National League)
- One of four pitchers to win the Cy Young in both leagues.
- Oldest to ever win the Cy Young
- Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee in 2014
- Texas Hall of Honor inductee in 1994