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Luke Pettitte, son of former New York Yankees pitcher Andy, made his first college start for the Dallas Baptist baseball team on Tuesday. That statement will likely make fans of his father feel very old.
Andy Pettitte played 18 seasons in the big leagues, 15 of which were spent in the Bronx. The lefty won 12 games in his debut campaign to finish third in the Rookie of the Year voting, and he only went up from there!
He led the American League in wins in 1996, one of four seasons in which he finished top five on the Cy Young ballot. He was also a three-time All-Star and a five-time World Series champion.
Pettitte never had a losing season, ending his career with an incredible 62% win percentage. His 256 wins rank 43rd on the MLB’s all-time list.
Now, the next generation is coming through as Andy passes the torch to his son, Luke.
The younger Pettitte might pitch from the right side, but he possesses some absolutely filthy stuff just like his father.
Luke Pettitte was rated as the top first baseman in the state of Texas by Perfect Game, but he’s been used mostly on the mound in his freshman season with the Patriots.
Over his first three relief appearances, he’d allowed just three runs over 6.1 innings of work while striking out eight batters.
Luke Pettitte strikes out the side in his DBU debut!
Middle of the 8th
DBU 5
SEMO 4#FindAWay | #DBUBaseball pic.twitter.com/5BQlpUYXCV— DBU Baseball (@DBU_Baseball) February 18, 2024
Now, his responsibility has grown.
Luke Pettitte made his first college start in Waco.
The Patriots turned to their first year righty for a midweek matchup with instate rival Baylor. While the Bears were just 4-7 through their first 11 contests, the offense had posted a respectable .281 to that point.
Pettitte had the luxury of shutting that order down, which he did in his two inning of work.
It’s the first start of his college career👏
Luke Pettitte takes the mound tonight in Waco! pic.twitter.com/6LP8NjD57t
— DBU Baseball (@DBU_Baseball) March 5, 2024
He faced nine batters, walking two while striking out one, and most importantly, not letting a runner cross the plate. He allowed just one hit and posted a 22:16 strike-to-ball ratio.
Fans were shocked to see another Pettitte toe the rubber.
“Okay I feel really old now. Thank you for that.”
“Pettitte’s son being a D1 baseball player does not sit well with me.”
If Tuesday was any indication, he should have a productive college career in his future.