- Serigraph
- November 2003
- Limited edition of 325
- Signed with pencil LeRoy Neiman, lower right
- Numbered 125/325
- Includes a certificate of authenticity from Centaur Art Galleries
- Museum quality archival (acid free) framing
- DIM:44 1/8″ H * 51 3/8″W
Centaur Galleries proudly announces LeRoy Neiman’s release for November, 2003, the limited edition serigraph entitled “The Rocket – Roger Clemens”. The serigraphs are hand-signed by both the artist and the athlete.
Widely considered to be the most intimidating and dominating pitcher of his generation, “The Rocket” retired in 2003 at the top of his game. Apart from his intense competitive spirit, which occasionally led to some conflict and controversy, Clemens’ disciplined work habits kept him throwing fastballs at 90+ mph at 41 years old, an age considered ancient for baseball pitchers. In his 20th and last season in the major leagues, he helped bring the New York Yankees to the World Series for the fourth time in his career, and also accomplished two historic achievements. First, with his 17 regular season wins, he reached 310 lifetime wins, giving him a place in the elite 300 Wins Club along with only 20 other pitchers. That made him only the third pitcher in the last 50 years to win as many 17 games in his final season. Also, his 190 regular season strikeouts brought his lifetime strikeouts to 4,099, placing him second in all-time strikeouts behind fellow Texan, Nolan Ryan. Clemens also has a record six Cy Young Awards, and he was named to the All-Century Team in 1999. His membership in the Baseball Hall of Fame is all but a certainty.
In the featured serigraph, Neiman depicts Clemens in a half-length portrait, reaching back and preparing to deliver his pitch. As always, Neiman has devoted exquisite attention to detail in the precise crook of the arm and the posture of the hands. In the pitcher’s visage we see his legendary determination and intensity. Neiman likens his own works habits to the discipline of Clemens, and the artist said he welcomed the opportunity to depict, in his own unique style, The Rocket and his distinctive delivery.
In commemoration of his retirement, collectors will be sure to acquire “The Rocket – Roger Clemens”, the latest addition to LeRoy Neiman’s personal Baseball All-Star team, which already includes Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Sandy Koufax, Mark McGwire and Mike Piazza.
