One too many for Clemens?

By Chris Furnari

The Rocket has launched again.

Roger Clemens, who turns 45 in August, will make his return to Major League Baseball, rejoining the New York Yankees. Clemens played with New York from 1999-2003 and will now attempt to help the struggling Yankee pitching staff climb back to the top of their division.

This isn't the first time Clemens has "retired" and then returned. In 2003, he tossed his last game as a Yankee and said his goodbyes at nearly every American League ballpark.

But Clemens wasn't finished. The next year, he signed a one year deal with the Houston Astros and had one of his finest seasons ever. Subsequently, Clemens put off retirement for one more season and made $18 million as a starting pitcher in 2005.

He recorded his 4,500th career strikeout in his final start of the season and lost in the World Series.

Finished? Not a chance. On May 31, 2006, Clemens signed another contract with Houston. Now, almost one full year later, he has announced his return yet again.

Give me a break. Does retirement mean anything anymore? Athletes who retire should stay retired.

Did anyone learn from Michael Jordan or Mario Lemieux, or even Ricky Henderson?

When Jordan hit a buzzer-beater against the Utah Jazz to win the 1998 NBA championship, it was the perfect end to a perfect career. In 2001, however, Jordan returned, suiting up with the Washington Wizards.

Mario Lemieux did the same thing in the NHL, and stolen base king Ricky Henderson continues to play in the minor leagues now that his career in the majors is over.

These days, it's becoming a trend to announce a retirement and make a return. Clemens should learn from his predecessors and forget about coming back.

The same goes for any other athlete who has "retired," or just won't quit in the first place.

Scottie Pippen expressed interest in returning, and thank God he didn't get picked up.

Brett Favre keeps coming back and just won't let Aaron Rodgers get his chance.

With any luck, Hank Aaron will return to hit a few more home runs this season.

These days, it seems some athletes, including Clemens, just don't know when to throw in the towel.

Clemens, please do us all a favor: Quit, wait five years and then make your bid for the hall of fame. It will mean a lot more to both you and every sports fan in America.