Happy Old-Timers' Day

Old-Timers' Day is always lots of fun, and we'll witness the largest collection of former Yankees at an Old-Timers' Day ever today.

According to the press release, ceremonies will begin at 1:45 p.m. YES' coverage begins at 1:30 p.m.

First-time old-timers from my era include David Wells, Ramiro Mendoza, Jimmy Key, Tino Martinez, Al Leiter, Graeme Lloyd and Tim Raines. Paul O'Neill will be there again, as well as Luis Sojo and Darryl Strawberry.

Unfortunately, Bernie Williams will be unable to attend. I read that he had a prior commitment and he no longer harbors any resentment toward the Yankees.

This is the last one these at the current stadium, so you should tune in if you're around. It's historic, or something.

Clemens pitches in simulated game

From Peter Abraham:

Just spoke to Mike Dougherty of The Journal News, who is covering the Yankees in the Bronx today. Roger Clemens threw 69 pitches in a simulated game in Tampa today, facing minor leaguers.

Assuming his left hamstring feels fine today when he gets to Cleveland, Clemens will start Game 3 in New York on Sunday. (LoHud Yankees Blog)

If Clemens is feeling anything less than 100%, I don't want him out there. I don't want another repeat of the 2003 World Series with David Wells.

These games need to start already. The four-day layoff is adding too much suspense.

Roger Clemens' greatest hits

In honor of Roger Clemens returning to pitch for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium tomorrow, let us take a look at some of his more memorable moments as a New York Yankee.

February 18, 1999 - The Blue Jays trade Clemens to the Yankees for David Wells, Homer Bush, and Graeme Lloyd.

October 27, 1999 - Clemens wins the clinching game of the 1999 World Series, pitching 7 2-3 innings, only giving up one run.

July 8, 2000 - In the second game of a day-night two-stadium doubleheader, Clemens drills Mike Piazza in the head. As a result, Piazza misses the all-star game and the famous Clemens/Piazza feud is born.

October 14, 2000 - Game 4 of the ALCS in Seattle. Clemens pitches one of the best games of his career. He throws a complete game shutout, allowing one hit, striking out 15 Mariners while only walking two. This helped the Yankees advance to the 2000 World Series, where they went on to beat the Mets.

October 22, 2000 - Game 2 of the 2000 World Series. In the top of the first, Piazza breaks his bat, and the barrel ends up in Clemens' hand. Without hesitation, he fires it back in Piazza's direction. The Yankees would end up winning the game and the series in five games.

September 19, 2001 - Clemens wins his 20th game of the year, improving his record to 20-1. He would finish 20-3 en route to winning his sixth Cy Young Award.

October 30, 2001 - With President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch and the Yankees down 2-0 in the World Series, Clemens pitches seven strong innings, allowing only one run while striking out nine. The Yankees would go on to win this game.

June 13, 2003 - Clemens wins his 300th game and records his 4,000th strikeout against the St. Louis Cardinals. He pitches 6 2-3 innings and strikes out ten.

October 23, 2003 - World Series Game 4. Clemens strikes out Luis Castillo to end the seventh. Announcing he was going to retire at the end of the season, the fans give him a standing ovation as he walked off the mound. Little did they know that Clemens would still be pitching in 2007.

May 6, 2007 - OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS. Clemens hijacks the Yankee Stadium P.A. system during the seventh inning stretch to announce he has signed a deal to come back and pitch for the Yankees. "Thank y'all. Well, they came and got me out of Texas, and, uh, I can tell ya it's a privilege to be back," Clemens said. "I'll be talking to y'all soon." Suzyn Waldman then proceeds to have a seizure on the radio.

June 9, 2007 - Clemens will take the mound wearing a Yankee uniform for the first time since October 23, 2003. He will start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Welcome back, Roger.