On Aug. 4, 1962, William Roger "Rocket" Clemens - one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball - was born in Dayton.

He moved to Texas when he was 15, later saying: "The best thing about Dayton was seeing it in the rearview mirror."

Clemens won six Cy Young Awards - signifying he was the best pitcher in the American League in 1986, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998 and 2001. His first three Cy Young Awards came with the Boston Red Sox, followed by two with the Toronto Blue Jays and one with the New York Yankees.

He is called "Rocket" because of his fastball, which has been clocked at 98 mph. Clemons is the only pitcher to have twice recorded 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game. He has more than 300 career victories, winning 20 or more games in six seasons.

Ohio State Fair history

Entertainers who have performed at the Ohio State Fair include: Bob Hope, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Carson, New Kids on the Block, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Osmonds, Barbara Mandrell and Dolly Parton.

- Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361.