The New York Yankees announced Friday that left-hander Andy Pettitte is retiring at the end of the season.
“I’m announcing my retirement prior to the conclusion of our season because I want all of our fans to know now — while I’m still wearing this uniform — how grateful I am for their support throughout my career,” Pettitte said in a statement released by the club. “I want to have the opportunity to tip my cap to them during these remaining days and thank them for making my time here with the Yankees so special.
“I’ve reached the point where I know that I’ve left everything I have out there on that field. The time is right. I’ve exhausted myself, mentally and physically, and that’s exactly how I want to leave this game.
“One of the things I struggled with in making this announcement now was doing anything to take away from Mariano’s day on Sunday. It is his day. He means so much to me, and has meant so much to my career that I would just hate to somehow take the attention away from him.”
Pettitte makes his next start on Sunday and will be his final one at Yankee Stadium. The team is also honoring Rivera, who is retiring.
Pettitte is scheduled to speak to reporters at Yankee Stadium before the team takes on the San Francisco Giants.
Pettitte is 10-10 with a 3.93 ERA this year.
Over his 18-year career, Pettitte is 255-152 with a 3.86 ERA. He is the winningest pitcher in postseason history at 19-11 with a 3.81 ERA and five World Series titles as a Yankee. He is also a three-time All-Star (1996, 2001 and 2010).
The only other team Pettitte played for was the Houston Astros (2004-06). Pettitte’s final start will be against the Astros at Minute Maid Park next weekend. He is from the Houston area.
His 218 wins as a Yankee are third in club history behind Whitey Ford (236) and Red Ruffing (231).
Pettitte retired in 2011 but came back a year later. He is 15-14 with a 3.60 ERA in the past two seasons.
Pettitte is a Hall of Fame candidate but his admitted involvement with performance-enhancing drugs in 2007 could affect his chances of being inducted.