Taking Names and Keeping Score
Rocket launch
Charlie Anderson
Just in case you haven't heard, another rocket was launched this past week or maybe I should say launched again. Like most of the rockets launched that warrant the attention of the public, this one is expected to do great things and has a price tag that is a little more than most of us can afford.

Because of the publicity surrounding the expected launch and the minor set backs that inevitably seem to occur during the launch process, those most affected by this particular launch have held their breath and tried to be patient for several weeks now. That has been particularly difficult for those closest to the project in light of the fact that things haven't been going well for some time and the launch of the rocket was expected to go a long way toward getting things straightened out.

Only a few months ago there were even rival factions trying to purchase the rights to the rocket in hopes they could enhance their program in the race to the top. Naturally those efforts ultimately drove the price tag on the rocket up and forced the present owner to make special concessions just to ensure they would have control of the rocket.

The long awaited launch actually took place in New York on the afternoon of Saturday, June 9 and was attended by 54,296 spectators who paid to see the event first hand. Much to their delight things went well and the price they paid to be present for the launch must have seemed insignificant when the day was done.

Reports coming from the launch site pointed out the enthusiasm that seemed to be running rampant throughout the crowd of onlookers as well as the sense of relief that was evident on the faces of those most responsible for the launch. Of course the launch is only the beginning of the mission for the rocket and as is the case with any rocket launch and subsequent mission the actual success of the venture cannot be measured until the course has been run and the project is finished. Or as my mother used to say "the proof is in the pudding."

In this case the rocket in question is none other than future Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens who is affectionately known by his fans and in baseball circles as 'The Rocket'. The 44 year old Clemens, who was back in New York and wearing the Yankee pin stripes after a four year hiatus, picked up his first win of the 2007 season allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in six innings of work.

The win was his 349 in his career which qualifies him for eighth on the career win list. The seven strikeouts moved his career total to 4,611 which surpassed Randy Johnson's total and currently puts him in second place all time behind Nolan Ryan whose career total is 5,714.

Beyond the personal accomplishments, Clemens' return and win in his debut are perceived by many as just the lift the New York Yankees need to jump start the rest of the season.

After struggling through a little more than a third of the season, the Yankees find themselves in second place in the East Division of the American League 10 games behind their arch rivals the Boston Red Sox, one game ahead of both Baltimore and Toronto and only two in front of cellar dweller Tampa Bay. A position that is totally unacceptable for an organization like the Yankees who enter every season believing the world championship is theirs for the taking rather than wishing and hoping they will make it to the fall classic known as the World Series.

Only time will tell if this latest experiment of the Yankees in trying to buy a pennant will work or even if 'The Rocket' has enough energy to be the catalyst capable of fueling a Yankee come back. However it turns out, it should make the rest of the 2007 Major League season interesting and the rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees even more intense. For baseball fans like me it is just one more good reason to love the game.

Until next time......be sale!

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