Andy Pettitte

Andy Pettitte, a retired American professional baseball pitcher, spent the majority of his 18-season career with the Major League Baseball's New York Yankees, with a brief tenure at the Houston Astros. Pettitte's career is marked with significant milestones including five World Series championships with the Yankees, three All-Star titles, and the MLB record for the most postseason wins. In 2001, Pettitte was recognized as the ALCS MVP and in 1996, he led the AL in wins. Pettitte's distinguished performance led the Yankees to retire his uniform number 46 in 2015 and dedicate a plaque in his honor in Monument Park.

Pettitte's pitching repertoire, which included a four-seam and cut fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup, was a cornerstone of his career. His exceptional pickoff move resulted in 98 career pickoffs. Among Yankees pitchers, Pettitte ranks first in strikeouts (2,020), third in wins (219), and tied for first in games started (438). In the 2000s, Pettitte won the most games of any pitcher, a testament to his skill and tenacity on the mound. He was honored with the Warren Spahn Award in 2003, recognizing him as the best left-handed pitcher in baseball. He demonstrated his ability to perform well in crucial playoff games, contributing significantly to his teams' successes in postseason series.

Despite a controversy involving the use of human growth hormone (HGH) to heal an elbow injury, Pettitte's legacy in baseball remains notable. He returned to the New York Yankees as an advisor coach in 2023 and continues to contribute to the sport. Pettitte's number 46 was retired by the Yankees in 2015, and he is a candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame. He concluded his career with a complete game against the Astros in 2013, a fitting end to an illustrious career. His jersey number, No. 21, was honored by the Astros and the Yankees, further cementing his status as one of baseball's greats.