Andy Pettitte

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President George W Bush with the 2000 World Series Champion New York Yankees

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Andy Pettitte by Keith Allison 8 31 09 pic2 CROP

Andy Pettitte in April 2010

Andy Pettitte is a former professional baseball pitcher who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the New York Yankees. Pettitte also had a three-year stint with the Houston Astros. Known for his consistency and postseason performances, Pettitte is one of the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history.

Early Life

Andy Pettitte was born on June 15, 1972, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He moved to Deer Park, Texas, at a young age and excelled in baseball during his high school years. Pettitte's pitching prowess earned him a scholarship to San Jacinto College North, a community college known for its strong baseball program.

Professional Career

New York Yankees drafted Pettitte in the 22nd round of the 1990 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 29, 1995, and quickly established himself as a key member of the Yankees' pitching staff. Pettitte was instrumental in the Yankees' late 1990s dynasty, helping the team win World Series championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000.

In 2004, Pettitte signed with the Houston Astros, where he played for three seasons. He returned to the Yankees in 2007 and continued to be a reliable starter. Pettitte retired after the 2010 season but made a comeback in 2012, finally retiring for good after the 2013 season.

Over his career, Pettitte accumulated a record of 256 wins and 153 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.85. He is the all-time postseason wins leader with 19 victories and has pitched over 3,000 innings with more than 2,400 strikeouts.

Postseason Performance

Andy Pettitte is renowned for his postseason performances, playing a crucial role in his teams' successes. His ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most reliable pitchers in playoff history. Pettitte's 19 postseason wins are a testament to his durability and skill in high-stakes games.

Controversy

Pettitte's career was not without controversy. In 2007, he was named in the Mitchell Report on steroid use in baseball. Pettitte admitted to using human growth hormone (HGH) on two occasions in 2002 to recover from an injury. He apologized for his actions and became one of the few players named in the report to admit to using performance-enhancing drugs.

Legacy

Andy Pettitte's legacy in MLB is marked by his consistency, postseason success, and resilience. He is considered one of the best pitchers of his era and a key figure in the New York Yankees' late 1990s and early 2000s dynasty. Pettitte's number 46 was retired by the Yankees in 2015, cementing his status as one of the franchise's all-time greats.