Pettitte calls it quits after 16 seasons
NEW YORK — Andy Pettitte took his final bow at Yankee Stadium on Friday, declaring his career complete after 16 Major League Baseball seasons and five World Series titles with the…
NEW YORK — Andy Pettitte took his final bow at Yankee Stadium on Friday, declaring his career complete after 16 Major League Baseball seasons and five World Series titles with the New York Yankees."My heart is not where it needs to be," Pettitte said. "It just didn't feel right for me anymore. I didn't have the hunger, the drive I felt like I needed."The 38-year-old left-handed pitcher finished 240-138 with a 3.88 earned-run average and won a record 19 playoff games. He spent 13 seasons with the Yankees and three more with Houston, helping the Astros to their first World Series.Joined by wife Laura, Pettitte said that she talked him out of announcing his retirement last October after the Yankees were ousted from the playoffs, advising him to wait until he was sure of what he wanted to do.That time came last weekend as he was driving between his home and ranch in Texas, even though as recently as two weeks ago Pettitte thought he might return for one more season."It was an easy decision, but it wasn't an easy decision," Pettitte said. "I think taking the mound every fifth day is over and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life and figuring out what that is."I don't want it to be anything except hanging out with my family."Pettitte admitted using human growth hormone to recover from injuries and is expected to be called as a prosecution witness in the perjury trial of former Yankee teammate Roger Clemens scheduled in Washington for July.Clemens is accused of lying to lawmakers when he denied taking performance-enhancing drugs. Pettitte said Clemens admitted taking them in private conversations, but Clemens said Pettitte "misremembered" the conversations.His role in the upcoming trial was not a factor in retiring, Pettitte said."That has not had any affect, I mean zero, in my decision. It has had no impact in my life," Pettitte said. "I would never let that interfere with a life decision I make for me and my family."Pettitte helped the Yankees win World Series crowns in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 an
last modification 2011-02-04 19:30:04
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