Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
New York Yankees’ starter Andy Pettitte achieved a milestone victory Saturday evening against the Seattle Mariners, earning his 250th win, throwing 7.1 innings of three-hit ball.
At 41 years old, and now in his 18th year in the majors, Pettitte has a career record of 250-145, with a .633 winning percentage and a lifetime 3.85 ERA.
Without delving into any conversations about the Hall of Fame, these are excellent numbers from a lefty whose consistent hard work and reliability has kept him relevant and valuable at his age.
This was Pettitte’s second start after a brief DL stint, and while he didn’t look completely himself in his last outing against Cleveland, he rebounded at Safeco against a team he has had trouble with his whole career.
Pettitte received his 249th win on May 11 against the Kansas City Royals, and a little less than a month later, he finally notched 250.
Beyond Pettitte’s success on the mound, his son Josh Pettitte had a memorable day as well, as he was drafted by the Yankees in the 37th round of 2013 MLB Draft. Pettitte was drafted 1,124 overall, and although it was mostly a courtesy by the Yankees since Pettitte is already committed to go to Baylor University in the fall, he called it an honor and a blessing.
The younger Pettitte went 11-0 with 105 strikeouts and a .65 ERA over 79 innings in his senior year, attracting the attention of many scouts. But both Pettittes believe that going to college for three years is the right decision, and they will reexamine the draft after he has some college pitching experience.
Regardless, Saturday was a special day for the Pettitte family. Josh Pettitte was able to take in his father’s 250th win at Safeco Field, receive a call that he had been drafted by the Yankees and share the good news with his father. It was a day to ruminate on a long and successful career in baseball, as well as a day to be hopeful about what the future of baseball has to offer.
