Roger Clemens was the Houston Astros player featured on the cover of the 2005 World Series program. The cover paired Clemens with Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle, representing the two clubs that met in that year's Fall Classic.
Clemens was one of the most recognizable members of the 2005 Astros. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner joined Houston in 2004 and remained a major part of the club's rotation during its first National League pennant season. At age 43, he went 13–8 during the regular season and posted a 1.87 earned-run average.
The Astros reached the World Series after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in a dramatic National League Championship Series. It was the franchise's first World Series appearance. Houston ultimately lost to the White Sox in a four-game sweep, although the Series included four close games and the longest postseason game ever played at that time.
Clemens started Game 1 for Houston but left after two innings because of a hamstring injury. His place on the program cover reflected his stature and importance to the Astros' historic season.