I’d like to believe he compiled 354 pitching wins and 4,672 strikeouts, won a record seven Cy Young Awards and became one of the best pitchers of all time because he combined a huge amount of natural talent with strong work ethic.

I’d like to believe he lasted 24 seasons in major league baseball because he always wanted to be known as a power pitcher and therefore was willing to pay the price with his physical training to remain one.

I’d like to believe that if the 2007 season was the Rocket’s last, he’ll be in Cooperstown in 2013 to be inducted as a first-ballot member of the Hall of Fame.

I’d like to believe I’ll be able to be there to see that happen.

And I’d like to believe that what baseball’s Mitchell Report said last week about Clemens - specific, potentially legacy-destroying charges - is not true.

In George Mitchell’s investigation into steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, Clemens was accused (he was named 82 times in all) by former New York Yankees strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer Brian McNamee of using steroids in 1998 and 2000 while with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Yankees, respectively.

After winning three Cy Youngs in his first eight seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Clemens went 40-39 from 1993-96. But he followed that with a 21-7, 292-strikeout season with Toronto to take the Cy Young in 1997 - a year before McNamee alleges his steroid use began. And in the seven seasons after 2000, Clemens added 94 victories and two Cy Youngs - one with the Yankees in 2001, the other with his hometown Houston Astros in 2004 at age 42.

For the record, the Clemens camp twice has denied what the Mitchell Report said about him. A week ago his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said, “It is very unfair to include Roger’s name in this report. He is left with no meaningful way to combat what he strongly contends are totally false allegations.”

Then on Tuesday, Clemens - in a statement released by his agent, Randy Hendricks - said, “I want to state clearly and without qualification: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life. Those substances represent a dangerous and destructive shortcut that no athlete should ever take.

“I am disappointed that my 25 years in public life have apparently not earned me the benefit of the doubt, but I understand that Senator Mitchell’s report has raised many serious questions. I plan to publicly answer all of those questions at the appropriate time. I only ask that in the meantime people not rush to judgment.”

But Clemens, a Texas sports hero to many, should be in a rush to explain himself. If he’s truly innocent of these charges he should stand up in front of everybody - not behind his lawyer or his agent - and tell us exactly that.

And if he does, I’d like to believe that the Rocket would have a better outcome than Mark McGwire or Rafael Palmeiro.

Former area stars in bowl spotlight

Football fans have an opportunity to check out several former area high school stars during the college bowl season.

Temple graduate and Navy sophomore linebacker Ross Pospisil (57 tackles) is set to play Utah in tonight’s Poinsettia Bowl. Cameron Yoe product and Texas senior receiver Billy Pittman will cap his career Dec. 27 in the Holiday Bowl against Arizona State. Rockdale ex and Missouri junior defensive end Stryker Sulak (54 tackles, six sacks) will battle Arkansas in the Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

What might have been for the Wildcats?

The Temple Wildcats likely were one big offensive play or one crucial defensive stop away from defeating Pflugerville in the first round of the Class 5A Division II football playoffs. However, the three-loss Panthers prevailed 34-31 in overtime, and after subsequent wins over Klein Forest, Dallas Carter, Longview and Abilene they’ll duel with 15-0 power Katy for the title on Saturday night in San Antonio.

Even if Temple had beaten Pflugerville, it’s unclear whether the Wildcats would have advanced beyond the second round.

Then again, who knows?

gwille@temple-telegram.com