The traitor: when Roger Clemens left Boston, Red Sox fans found a special place in their hatin' hearts for the Rocket that even Bill Buckner never occupied

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2002 by Chris Bahr

Drinking motor oil, chewing aluminum foil and flossing with barbed wire all are more appealing to Red Sex fans like me than watching Roger Clemens celebrate a World Series championship in pinstripes, which he did in 1999 and 2000. Only two things will be worse: Clemens winning his 300th game in a Yankees uniform and Clemens going into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee.

At least I can take comfort that he's not loyal to the Yankees because he's not loyal to anybody. Every Red Sox fan remembers Clemens' spiel in 1996 about respect, winning and playing closer to home (Texas). Soon after, he agreed to play for the powerhouse Blue Jays in Canada, which is not at all close to Texas. But it wasn't about the money. Sure, just like Clemens thought that bat he threw at Mike Piazza was a baseball.

Many fans think former Red Sex general manager Dan Duquette is the reason Clemens left Boston, but this is the one time the Duke isn't to blame. The Red Sox were willing to pay Clemens fair market value based on his declining performance at the time, but he wanted more and he wanted out. That is why Clemens is a traitor of Benedict Arnold proportions in New England. Boston's Enemies List is long, but Clemens is at the top.

Check out the Rocket's final three seasons in Boston: 29 wins, 25 losses and endless crying. Compare that with his next two seasons in Toronto: 41 wins, 13 losses and two Cy Young Awards.

When Clemens decided he wanted to win--not surprisingly, he never reached the playoffs with the Blue lays--he again whined his way out of town and coat-tailed his way to glory with the Yankees' dynasty. What a feel-good story! But why doesn't anyone outside of Boston remember that Clemens once threatened not to pitch late in '96 when the Red Sox were in contention? Or that he was ejected from a decisive playoff game against Oakland in '90? Or that he left the infamous Bill Buckner World Series game early because he had a life-threatening blister?

Red Sox fans almost have pardoned Buckner, but we never will forgive Clemens, not unless he apologizes to Boston fans or figures out how to beat Dave Stewart in a playoff game. Until then, we will smile fondly while recalling the pounding Clemens took at Fenway in the 1999 ALCS.

Watching Wade Boggs win it all and parade around Yankee Stadium on a horse was tough; it's too bad Clemens wasn't there. That would have been the first time a jackass rode a horse.

More traitors

Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants outfielder

Enemy of: Pirates fans.

Celebrate his home run record? No way. Pirates fans, looking on as their no-names struggle to compete in the N.L. Central, can be excused for holding a grudge.

J.D. Drew, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder

Enemy of: Phillies fans.

After refusing to sign with the Phillies, he had to dodge batteries at Veterans Stadium when he became a Cardinal. Drew should be thankful it wasn't miniature bat night.

Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Lakers center

Enemy of: Magic fans.

Since leaving Orlando, Shaq has won three titles. The Magic hasn't sniffed The Finals without him.

Rick Pitino, University of Louisville basketball coach

Enemy of: Kentucky fans.

Wildcats fans hate him for leaving Kentucky to coach rival Louisville (with a stop in between to destroy the Celtics, of course). The ozone hates him for using so many hair-care products.--C.I., M.C.

Community editor Chris Bahr has been a Red Sox fan since he was old enough to curse Bucky Dent.

BRING IT ON

Who's on your Enemies List? Send answers to Enemies List, 10176 Corporate Square Drive, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63132, fax 314-997-0765 or e-mail tsnenemies@sportingnews.com with "Enemies List" in the subject line. Be sure to include what team you root for.