This Yankees legend is still leaving his mark behind the scenes | Klapisch – NJ.com

TAMPA, Fla. — The flatscreen monitors placed throughout the Yankees clubhouse act as time portals to anyone of a certain age. There’s a steady loop of Ron Guidry’s killer sliders, Roger Clemens’ signature splitters, Bucky Dent’s heartbreaking home run at Fenway Park in 1978 and Andy Pettitte’s famous stare over the top of his glove. It resonates with fans who witnessed the Yankees’ era of dominance. It’s also an educational tool to the 20-something prospects who’ve never heard of Guidry or Clemens (you’d be surprised). Pettitte, on the other hand, has no problem being recognized. He’s not just on video, he’s here in the flesh. The legendary left-hander is in camp as a guest instructor. He’s less of a conventional pitching coach than a nurturer, mental skills specialist and sometimes just an old-fashioned storyteller Of all the great moments in his 18-year career, including 256 victories and a franchise record 18 wins in the postseason, Pettitte reminds Yankees pitchers he’s lived on the other side, too. Lesson No. 1: Dealing with anxiety is part of a pro athlete’s training. Sometimes that means learning first-hand. Pettitte recalled a Sunday morning in 2007, having breakfast with his kids when ESPN’s “SportsCenter” popped
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