Andy Pettitte leaning toward retirement--joins pals from 1996 team

Andy Pettitte indicated yesterday that he was leaning toward retirement after 12 seasons.

• "If I had to make a decision right now, it would probably be not to play," Pettitte said. Pettitte, who was in Manhattan for Joe Torre'’s Safe At Home Foundation charity dinner, stressed that he was undecided about his future but that he wanted to make a decision quickly, though he provided no timetable. Pettitte, a 34-year-old left-hander, filed for free agency Monday after three seasons with the Houston Astros.

Pettitte was 14-13 with a 4.20 earned run average last season, missing the postseason for the first time. He struggled with elbow problems, especially at the end of season. He also missed much of the 2004 season with an elbow injury.

"“I want to do the right thing for me and my family,"” Pettitte said. "“I'’m just weighing through my feelings."

• Pettitte was among about 16 players from the 1996 World Series champion Yankees to attend the dinner.

From NY Times report in Jack Curry article, 11/11/06 (apparently Torre graciously invited Curry to his foundation's dinner).

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