The Fame Monster
Written by Josh Katz
Andy Eugene Pettitte will no doubt have his #46 retired in Monument Park at the resort known as Yankee Stadium some day soon. “Big Game Andy” or “Old Reliable” as he is known as, was a fan favorite for thirteen magical seasons in pinstripes, winning over the hearts of the Bronx faithful with his ability to give the Yankees exactly what the needed when they needed it: a clutch performance when the chips where down. But now that Andy has decided to call it quits, the question remains, is Andy Pettitte a Hall-of-Famer? Let the debate begin.
The case for Andy Pettitte in the Hall of Fame is rather simple. He has 19 postseason victories, which is the most all time of any starting pitcher. He has a career record of 240-138, and has never had a losing season in 16 major league seasons. His career ERA is 3.88, and has 2,251 career strikeouts. Pettitte also has 5 World Series rings to bolster his resume, and seven pennants won (6 with the Yankees, 1 with Astros). He also is a 3 time all-star, and won the 2001 ALCS MVP award. These numbers no doubt put Andy Pettitte on the cusp of the Hall-of-Fame, but do they get him in?
The case against Andy Pettitte is also rather simple as well. Pettitte never won a CY Young Award, and by most “experts”, was never considered to be a dominant pitcher in his prime. Pettite also has given up more hits than he has innings pitched. It is also important to mention that Pettitte has the performance-enhancing drugs label draped over him, having admitted use of HGH in 2002 to “recover from an injury”, or so he says. He will forever be tied with known cheater Roger Clemens and known cheating-aid Brian McNamee. One could argue that Pettitte was a victim of the steroid era, but that excuse will not fly with those who strongly oppose letting performance-enhancing drug users into the Hall under any circumstances.
The general consensus from most writers seems to be that they will not vote Andy Pettitte into the Hall-of-Fame whether because of his numbers, HGH use, or just the general feeling that he does not belong. As a die-hard Yankee fan, it is tough for me to argue with the idea that Pettitte does not belong in the Hall, but as a baseball fan I agree that his borderline numbers just don’t cut it. I do believe he falls just short of being inducted, although 19 postseason victories is difficult to argue with. But as a Yankee fan, I will always remember Pettitte for being the most reliable, likeable Yankee to ever wear the pinstripes. I’ll remember the intimidating stare he gave to opposing hitters and the fist pump after an inning-ending double play to get out of a jam. I’ll remember the disappointment I felt when he left for his brief stint in Houston, and the disgust and shame I felt when I found out he used HGH. But I have nothing but love for #46. Andy Pettitte will always hold a special place in my heart, and in Yankee history. And if he doesn’t end up getting inducted into the Hall-of-Fame, I don’t think he would be too upset about it. It’s just not in his God-loving nature. So thanks for the memories Andy; you had a long, prosperous and wonderful career. And if for some reason you get the Brett Favre itch to pitch again, there’s always a place in pinstripes for you. Happy trails, #46.
