BOSTON — Roger Clemens came into 1986 hoping to prove his durability and reliability as someone capable of being the Red Sox’s ace.
Clemens, who had shoulder surgery the previous year, quickly put concerns to rest with his record-setting 20-strikeout performance against the Seattle Mariners on April 29 at Fenway Park.
“For me, it was about winning,” Clemens said Wednesday before a ceremony honoring the 1986 Red Sox at Fenway Park. “I had to get back and show my teammates in 1986 that I was healthy.
“I think that’s kind of what the 20-strikeout game did. It not only gave me a little confidence, but it showed my teammates I was healthy. It was a steppingstone that season for us. … When (April 29) gets close, I get reminded quite a bit via text. I get a lot of messages from the players involved.”
Clemens was dominant after that gem versus Seattle. He went 10-0 over his next 11 starts through July 1, improving his overall record to 14-0. Clemens’ durability was in fine form, too, as he pitched eight or more innings in 10 of those 11 starts.
The Rocket finished the 1986 campaign 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 238 strikeouts in 254 innings. He was rewarded with the first of his seven career Cy Young Awards, in addition to the 1986 American League MVP.
