Andy Pettitte Passes Whitey Ford, Sets Yankees Strikeout Record
MINNEAPOLIS (CBSNewYork/AP) — Andy Pettitte has broken Whitey Ford's record for career strikeouts by a New York Yankees pitcher.
Pettitte struck out Justin Morneau in the fifth inning against Minnesota on Monday night to give him 1,958 for his career. Ford has held the mark since he retired in 1967.
Pettitte entered the game needing two strikeouts to break the record. He fanned Clete Thomas in the second inning to tie it, then got Morneau swinging in the fifth.
"It's cool," Pettitte said after the 10-4 win. "I feel very honored to be able to be with this organization for so long and it's very special."
The three-time All-Star broke into the big leagues with the Yankees in 1995 and has spent all but three of his 18 seasons in pinstripes.
"When you think about some of the names he's passed in his career it's really, truly amazing," manager Joe Girardi said. "Andy's been a great pitcher for a long time and I think we're all very happy for him and just proud to know him."
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