Al Leiter's March to his 40th Birthday (#1)

In which we track our favorite non-ERA qualifying YANKEE lefty in his quest to pitch on his 40th birthday (October 23, 2005).

APPEARANCE: October 4 against the Angels.

AGE ON DAY OF APPEARANCE: 39 Years, 11 months, 11 days

SITUATION: Al enters the game in the bottom of the sixth in relief of starter Mike Mussina, with Vladimir Guerrero on first and Darin Erstad batting. There are two outs. Yankees winning, 4-0.

RESULT: After working the count on Erstad to a ball and two strikes, Guerrero was thrown out stealing to end the inning. Al returned in the seventh, taking care of his unfinished business by striking out Erstad for the inning's first out. He was then yanked in favor of Tanyon Sturtze, who immediately allowed a home run to Bengie Molina.

SUCCESSFUL? Of course! Although Al only faced one batter, he "pitched" 2/3 of an inning without allowing a baserunner. His postseason ERA is 0.00. 19 days until the big 4-oh! We're off to a good start.