The New York Yankees have been blessed with an abundance of pitching talent throughout their storied history. From the legendary arms of Waite Hoyt and Red Ruffing to the modern-day dominance of Mariano Rivera, the Yankees have always had someone to take the mound and shut down opposing batters.
But while there have been many great pitchers to don the pinstripes, only a select few can be considered the best of the best. These are the five pitchers who have had the most impact on the Yankees franchise:
1. Mariano Rivera
Arguably the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history, Rivera was a key cog in the Yankees’ dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With his blazing fastball and devastating cutter, Rivera was nearly unhittable in his prime, and he helped the Yankees win five World Series championships.
2. Whitey Ford
A 10-time All-Star and six-time World Series champion, Ford was one of the most consistent and dominant pitchers of his era. He led the league in wins three times and in ERA twice, and he finished his career with a remarkable 2.75 ERA.
3. Roger Clemens
A seven-time Cy Young Award winner, Clemens was one of the most feared pitchers in baseball during the 1980s and 1990s. He struck out more than 4,600 batters in his career, and he helped the Yankees win two World Series championships.
4. Ron Guidry
Known as “Louisiana Lightning,” Guidry was a three-time All-Star and the 1978 Cy Young Award winner. He was known for his blazing fastball and his ability to strike out batters, and he helped the Yankees win three World Series championships.
5. Andy Pettitte
A five-time World Series champion, Pettitte was one of the most reliable and consistent pitchers in baseball during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was a four-time All-Star and finished his career with a 3.85 ERA.
These five pitchers are just a few of the many great pitchers who have played for the New York Yankees. Their dominance on the mound has helped the Yankees win 27 World Series championships, and they will forever be remembered as some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
