Pitching in Houston with more than 50 members of his family in the stands and just miles from his boyhood home, Pettitte earned his 275th career victory, throwing 116 pitches in his first complete game since 2006.
According to The New York Times, the game was one for the record books:
"In his 438th start for the Yankees, which tied him with Whitey Ford for the most by a pitcher with the team, Pettitte matched Rivera’s magical moment from Thursday night with magic of his own. He threw his first complete game in seven years, a 116-pitch gem, to beat the Houston Astros, his former team, 2-1, and put a bow on his life as a baseball player.
"Now in the stretch, he gave his signature stare over his glove one last time and induced a ground ball to third base on his 116th pitch. Eduardo Nunez made the play, and Pettitte slapped his hands together, spun around with a huge smile and hugged catcher Chris Stewart.
“ 'It’s just another day that I’ll never forget,' Pettitte said.
During his final post-game interview, Pettitte said, "I love to play the game. I love to pitch. It's a shame you get old.""After he hugged each of his teammates, players on both teams came out of the dugouts and applauded as Pettitte waved to the crowd and then to them. He had evened his record to 11-11 and become the only pitcher with at least 15 seasons never to have a losing one, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He improved his career record to 256-153, including 219-127 with the Yankees, and he earned his 275th win, including playoff games."
Thinking back on his career, all the games we attended at the old and new stadiums, his role as one of the "core four" with Jeter, Posada and Rivera, and the five World Series championships, I felt enormous gratitude and shed some tears.
1 comment:
Great story Will. Baseball will steal your heart.
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