First question: how do we, or how should we, measure success on a baseball mound. Andy Pettitte has never won a Cy Young Award and never was the ace of a staff. Mediocre? Hardly. His 240-138 career record gives him the most wins of any lefty in his 13 active seasons, and is complimented by two 20-win seasons, and 19 Post-season victories; the most in MLB history. Would it be significant to also mention his 5 World Series rings? Andy Pettitte doesn't have the "accolades" that some pitching icons may retire with, but is a clear cut winner, and was a sure bet for a victory on all stages throughout his career.
Question two: how quick can we forget the steroids era, especially when it pertains to Hall of Fame hopefuls. Andy Pettitte, along side Roger Clemens, was one of the hurlers who highlighted the Mitchell Report in 2007. Regardless, the "steroid-era" is touchy for all Hall of Fame voters, but should not be counted against pitchers or hitters; they all juiced, and by all I mean that at the end of the day the playing field was just about even. There are a number of voters that have publicly stated that they refuse to punch in for anyone found guilty of substance abuse. Irrationally, they plan to wipe the "steroid-era" from baseball's history, and are against giving credit where credit is due. It will always be a dark period for the game, but Pettitte, among others, still played every day, and shined while doing it.
Andy Pettitte is a Hall of Famer, and I only write this because I can anticipate those who will say he is not, and some who will even decide that he is far from it. In the face of adversity, Pettitte's name will carry the weight of success and sheer gamesmanship that ultimately sets him apart. A fierce competitor who's time should come in five years, when he walks into Cooperstown on his first and only ballot.
JD
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