Monday, November 5, 2007

Nothing Petty About This One, Either

It would seem that the Yankees have a thing against Victorian literature.

See, any time I sit down and try to get some reading done for my English class, something happens with the Yankees. It happened with Joe Torre, with Alex Rodriguez, and when Joe Girardi went official.

Anyway, as you probably know by now, Andy Pettitte has declined his player option for 2008.

Now, before you go freak out about how he’s not returning to the team, keep in mind that he declined the option not because he wants to explore the free agent market, but because Andy has yet to make up a decision as to whether or not he wants to continue to pitch—this according to Pete Abraham, as well as SI and ESPN.

Now, Andy Pettitte is what many of us consider to be the embodiment of a true Yankee. He’s a gamer, and at his best when it means the most—there’s no one else I want pitching after a loss. He’s got tremendous heart, and grit. Most important, he’s class in a true form—he didn’t have to say he’d play only for the Yankees or retire, but he did, as just one example.

He has given the Yankees so much over the years—on the team in 1995-2003, which are (not) coincidentally the years of the Yankees’ late 1990s dynasty. Yes, he did go off to Houston for 2004-2006, but he came back to the Yankees.

That tells you something.

Whatever decision Andy Pettitte makes, he needs to do for himself.

Yes, I’m a Yankees fan and I really really really want him to come back and will be a little depressed if he doesn’t, but I would much rather have him retired and happy, finally getting to spend time with his family, than I would him pitching unhappy at Yankee Stadium.

He has given the Yankees so much, both on field and off field, that unless he suddenly bolts for another team (which I just plain can’t see him do), that we—the fans do owe him this in return…that is, we owe him the ability to take his time to make the judgment. We owe him the time for him to figure out if one more year is in his best interest, and his family’s. We know it’s in the Yankees’ best interest for him to come back, but on this occasion his wants are more important.

When he does decide to finally call it quits, I expect the works: Andy Pettitte day at the Stadium, plaque in Monument Park… I’d also mention the number retiring, but I have a feeling the Yanks will retire #46, #21, #51, #42 and #20 all on the same day (and possibly #18 as well).

You know, the Old Timers’ Day when we honor the 1998 Yankees?

That’s going to be something. I will so be there.

3 comments:

  1. I love the title of this post. So witty.

    I cannot agree more with this:

    Yes, I’m a Yankees fan and I really really really want him to come back and will be a little depressed if he doesn’t, but I would much rather have him retired and happy, finally getting to spend time with his family, than I would him pitching unhappy at Yankee Stadium.

    I'd take Andy on my team anytime even if his arm was falling off but he has earned the right to do what is best for him and his family.

    Once again you beautifully sum up how Yankee fans feel for Andy.

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  2. Thanks for dropping by my site Rebecca. I've had some good times up at SU. I've added you to my blogroll and RSS feed so I can keep up with what your writing.

    Great Job!

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  3. Josh-- =D

    Jason--Can't wait for basketball season to start here...football's been kind of depressing, and the way the wind is making my place shake, winter's here as well.

    Thanks for the add =D

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