The Subway Series is always something to look forward to, especially when two of New York’s biggest sides take on each other. While the Yankees have their fair share of victories, the Mets equally have moments of their own. But for many fans, one question lingers: which pitcher holds the record for most wins for each team?
Mets
Al Leiter is the current holder for the record of most career wins for the Mets against the Yankees, recording five total victories. Leiter’s career path began in New Jersey. He attended Central Regional High School in Bayville. Raised in a family of devoted Mets fans, Leiter had a lot to in order to make it all the way to the majors.
He laid out his ambitions from the very onset: to play in the MLB, experience postseason glory and play for the Mets. Drafted by the Yankees in 1984, Leiter made his major league debut in 1987. His career saw him play for various sides, including the Blue Jays, where he won the World Series in 1993. A key moment in his career came in 1996 when he was awarded his first All-Star recognition with the Marlins and featured in their first World Series victory.
Prior to the 1998 season, Leiter was signed the Mets, and quickly grew to be a key member of their squad. During his seven year stint with the side, he achieved a 95-67 record, a 3.42 ERA, and seven shutouts. His postseason numbers featured a major start in Game 1 of the 2000 Subway Series.
Yankees
As per Stats Muse, Andy Pettitte leads the way for the Yankees, with six wins against the Mets. This makes him a familiar foe to the blue side of Manhattan and a key figure if the Yankees are to claim a positive result. Pettitte’s legacy with the Yankees is something to be proud of, having claimed five World Series championships over two spells during his 18-year career. He retired from the sport in 2013.
Andy Pettitte is a three-time All-Star and recorded a career high number of 256-153 with a 3.85 ERA across 531 major league games. Most of his numbers primarily came with him as a starter. His Yankees’ tenure includes a franchise-leading 219 wins and 2,020 strikeouts, putting him level with Hall of Famer Whitey Ford for most starts in team history (438). Pettitte’s postseason numbers are pretty much standout, holding records for wins (19), starts (44), and innings pitched (276⅔). This also includes a pivotal Game 6 victory in the 2009 World Series.
Ironically, the winning pitchers from each team were talking to each other before Yankees suffered a strong defeat to Mets at Citi Field last Wednesday.
Despite both teams having star pitchers of their own, Al Leiter for the Mets and Andy Pettitte have reached incredible milestones of their own. By now, Yankees’ players could find inspiration in one of them as they try to claim their first win in this Subway Series.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
All players struggle but there is no excuse for not hustling. And that “possible” groin injury is a BS excuse. If it was an issue why was he even playing?