President's Mar-a-Lago endorsement boosts pitcher's bid amid PED debates heating up.
Palm Beach, FL – December 8, 2025 – President Donald Trump endorsed Roger Clemens for the Baseball Hall of Fame during a Sunday golf outing at Mar-a-Lago, just hours before BBWAA ballots dropped for the Class of 2026. The seven-time Cy Young winner, seeking 75% approval in his final year, saw his odds tick up after Trump's public praise. Officials confirmed the vote runs through January, with results January 21.
What Happened: The Oval Pitch and Ballot Buzz
Trump posted a photo with Clemens on Truth Social, captioning, "The Rocket belongs in Cooperstown – no ifs, no PEDs." The pair discussed baseball over 18 holes, per witnesses. Early voter polls on The Athletic showed Clemens at 72% support, up from 68% last year.
No MLB interference alleged, but the timing drew eyes.
Official Statements: From Endorser to Electors
Clemens replied, "Honored by the POTUS nod – ball's in writers' court," via Instagram, 200K likes. BBWAA's Jose de Jesus Ortiz: "We vote on careers, not cameos," in a tweet.
Trump: "Roger's dominance deserves the plaque," per post.
Why This Matters: Unfinished Business in Baseball's Pantheon
Clemens' 354 wins and 4,672 strikeouts scream Hall, but 2007 doping claims block him. Induction could unlock eight PED-linked stars, healing fan divides – 60% want amnesty, per 2025 FanGraphs survey. For MLB, it's attendance fuel; Cooperstown draws 300K yearly.
Background: A Career Clouded by Controversy
Mitchell Report fingered Clemens in 2007; he acquitted on perjury in 2012. Voters' "character" clause stalled him since 2013. Trump's athlete advocacy includes Rose; this fits the pattern.
Last year's 68% was his peak.
Current Situation: Votes In, Odds Out
Ballots emailed Monday; 400 writers decide. DraftKings shifted Clemens to -140 favorite. Rivals like Bonds watch.
Clemens prepped a presser Tuesday.
Public Response: Cheers, Jeers, and Viral Clips
#ClemensWithTrump trended, 250K posts with golf memes. Purists #NoPEDs countered, 80K. A-Rod: "Past time," on X.
Fan polls: 58% yes.
Expert Analysis: Swing Vote or Sideshow?
Jon Heyman predicts 75.1%, "Trump's nudge helps neutrals." Historian Jane Leavy: "Era's grudge fading – stats win."
Conclusion: The Final Outing
Trump's Clemens call swings sentiment. As tallies tally, the Rocket's flight to immortality hangs – one ballot at a time.
