There are lots of new faces wearing pinstripes this season, but last night, it was just like old times at Yankee Stadium.
Pettitte and Rivera have had plenty of changes to celebrate. (Photo: NY Post)
After two disappointing losses that seemed to confirm the worst fears of every Yankee fan, the Bronx Bombers rebounded with a 4-2 victory that staved off an opening season sweep at the hands of the rival Boston Red Sox. Under normal circumstances, such a victory, even so early in the season, would take on added significance. However, because of the pitchers involved, the outcome proved to be historic.
Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte have done pretty well on their own, but as a team, they’ve been timeless. Last night was just the latest example. For the 69th time in the regular season, and 80th overall, the 43-year old closer recorded a save that helped preserve a victory for the soon-to-be 41-year old lefty. Since the advent of the save rule in 1969, no other duo has been as prolific, and if Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman get their way, the gap between second place will continue to get larger (Dennis Eckersley’s 57 saves for Bob Welch).
Games Featuring Two Yankee Pitchers Age-40 or Older, Since 1916
Source: Baseball-reference.com
Not only are Pettitte and Rivera the most prolific win/save tag team in baseball history, they are also the oldest pair of Yankees to combine on a victory. At 84 years and 54 days, the two veterans easily surpassed the previous mark that Rivera held with Roger Clemens. However, unless the immortal closer has second thoughts about his retirement, Pettitte will need to find a new partner if he wants to break the major league record (since 1916) held by Dazzy Vance and Jack Quinn. On July 29, 1932, the two Brooklyn Dodgers used their over 90 combined years to beat a Cardinals’ rookie named Dizzy Dean.
The trivia is interesting, but nostalgia wasn’t the only thing on display last night at Yankee Stadium. Andy Pettitte handing the ball off to Mariano Rivera is more than just a trip down memory lane; the pairing is a key part of the road map the Yankees must follow if they hope to make it to October. The milestones are nice, but, as each of the pinstriped veterans would surely attest, they won’t mean as much if the season takes a detour.
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