January 02, 2004

From the linked column, (scroll down to the bottom, under "blind as a bat"):

We were pretty upset when this professional sports player decided to leave New York. We thought it was for more money, but we were wrong. For years this guy professed to have a "special relationship with God." But it turns out he had a special relationship with a woman who was not his wife. When the wife found out, she went ballistic. The player had two choices: stay in New York with his mistress, or return home and play with a new team. Wisely, he chose the latter, which was why you didn't hear the thunder that usually accompanies such transactions. His New York employer knew the score, and had to acquiesce. Sometimes being a sport is more important than playing one.

David Wells and Andy Pettitte were the two Yankees to leave this offseason to their hometowns. Now, it doesn't actually mention Yankees, pitchers, or even that the player in question plays baseball, but the timing of this (we're not in the off-season of football, basketball, or hockey), and the headline of the blurb (Blind as a Bat) seems to lean that way, and it's unlikely they're talking about a AAA farm team. That leaves the Yankees and Mets, and Wells and Pettitte would seem to be the only candidates for players "we" would be upset were leaving New York. More tellingly, the article makes a point of noting the implied hypocrisy that this player had a "special relationship with God", in quotes in the article- and unless god is in the bottom of a pint glass, that would seem to imply Pettitte over Wells (well, that and that Wells is not actually married). Further solidifying who the gossip columnist is describing is that there is no question Pettitte is among the most vocally Christianist of Yankees. See this page as well as this ad for 'Power for Living'. Although the verbage used is "personal relationship with god" instead of 'special', his overt Christianity and role as a pitchman for an evangelical cause using a very similar line to that quoted in the article seems to nail down that Pettitte is who is being heavily hinted at here. It did seem odd that the Yankees would not be more aggressive in pursuing Pettitte, or that he'd sign for less money on a less contending team, and perhaps there's some truth to this gossip. Granted, he lives in Houston, as does his good friend and training buddy Clemens, but even Clemens seemed surprised to see Pettitte leaving the Yankees. Ultimately, it doesn't matter and isn't our business: even if it is Pettitte the columnist was talking about, we have no evidence besides a Fox News gossip columnist's assurances that any of this is grounded in fact. And certainly we all expect the big-time pro athlete of these modern times, whether they are married or single, to utilize every perk of their station in life so to speak, so it's hardly scandalous in any event. But from the standpoint of why hot stove maneuvers play out the way they do... well it's interesting. We the fans often forget there are people inside the uniforms no different than our own flawed selves- but for a freakish ability to catch, hit, or throw a ball. Thus, we forget how the decisions of players aren't just about they and their agents pursuing the biggest dollar signs. The wives of many players obviously exert more influence (I'm looking at you, Doug Christie!) than a dozen Arn Tellems and David Borases, and who knows how many season-changing, blockbuster deals that do or don't happen are fueled as much by spouses we never hear about as by agents and GMs with their army of PR-bots.

posted by hincandenza at 01:30 AM on January 02, 2004

Saw this earlier. Despite the strange line about money (everybody knows Pettite took less money in Houston), it's extremely obvious that it's about Pettite. I have heard elsewhere that Pettite's wife made the decision for him, but I hadn't heard about an affair. No clue if it's true.

posted by spira at 01:41 AM on January 02, 2004

I was trying to think who else left NY sports in the last few months but the whole "relationship with God" kind of focuses everything back on Pettitte. Wells is married I think. In his weblog (www.boomer33.com) he mentioned something about walking for 2 hours with his wife and feeling great or something. I don't particularly recall him being strongly spiritual though. Interesting find. If it's true, good for Pettitte's wife for giving him the ultimatum.

posted by jerseygirl at 09:24 AM on January 02, 2004

Juicy!

posted by vito90 at 09:57 AM on January 02, 2004

Wells not only has a wife, but she's hot - and way too classy looking to be with a guy like him. I do find it a bit odd that JG is reading boomer's blog though...

posted by Bernreuther at 01:09 PM on January 02, 2004

You caught me, I am a closeted Yankees fan. Ooh the pinstripes. The dynasty, the aura, the mystique, the big guy in the mock turtlenecks , oh captain intangibles! :) Actually, i just prefer to be pretty well read on the Yankees. I regularly read their message fan message boards, individual sites and the local NY papers. Know the 'enemy' and all that jazz.

posted by jerseygirl at 03:40 PM on January 02, 2004

take one 'message' out of that last statement and we're good to go.

posted by jerseygirl at 03:41 PM on January 02, 2004