The atmosphere surrounding today’s hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform felt more like a World Series media day than a congressional hearing. We spotted the New York Daily News’ Mike Lupica and Yahoo! Sports’ Dan Wetzl among the dozens of reporters relegated to the media overflow room, one of two rooms designed to accommodate the demand for seats. Elsewhere, the proceedings took on a spring training vibe. Rabid Yankees fans, decked out in Clemens jerseys and team hats waited in line. Even some of the media showed their true colors: One sported a Clemens t-shirt under his blazer and another had a Yankees-themed notebook computer.

And, now, our balls and strikes from today’s hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:

-He’s juiced on love! Roger Clemens, in his opening remarks: “If I’m guilty of anything, it’s of being too trusting of everyone, wanting to see the best in everyone and being too nice to everyone. If I’m considered being ignorant of that, than so be it.”

-Don’t ever put committee chair Rep. Henry Waxman and ranking member Rep. Tom Davis in a welcome wagon. A sampling of their curious opening remarks: “We have no interest in making baseball a central part of our committee’s agenda.” “Today’s hearing may be awkward.” “Today’s testimony and questioning may not be tidy. Our hearing may not end up wrapped in a neat package.” “We’re here to save lives, not ruin careers.”

-“You would have liked to have talked to God to find out but you didn’t!” — Rep. Paul Kanjorski, questioning Mitchell Report Attorney Charles Scheeler about the details of a luncheon at the home of former baseball player Jose Canseco’s.

-“I don’t want you to filibuster. We’re used to the Senate doing that, but we don’t do that in the House.” -Kankorski, to Scheeler.

-Clemens wasn’t without his fans and compliments. “Roger Clemens is a titan in baseball!” said Rep. Dan Burton. “I thank you for helping so many children,” said Waxman. “All I can say is, I’m sure you’re going to heaven,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. ” “A colleague of mine, Michael Capuano of Massachusetts, wants to know what uniform you’ll wear to the Hall of Fame,” said Rep. William Clay. ” First of all, Mr. Clemens, as a New Yorker, we are very proud of your professional achievements,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

-Clemens reveals a more sensitive side: “I’m hurt by that statement,” he told Waxman. And a more personal side: “I’ve had a great work ethic since I was in high school. I didn’t have a car in high school. I ran home.” And a more musical side: “I did not buy him Bruce Springsteen tickets.” And a more meaty side: “I don’t even know what that is” (when asked if he’s a vegan).

-But some Capitol Hill hearings, like baseball itself, are best told with numbers.

-14: The number of times Clemens’ buttocks were referenced.

-5: The number of times Rep. Elijah Cummings felt obligated to remind Clemens that he was under oath.

-4 or 4.5: Number of hours (it was revealed by Clemens) it takes him to play a round of golf. Well, “depending on the traffic,” he clarified.