Will ex-Yankee Andy Pettitte join Lance Berkman at Rice University as pitching coach?

by Felix Pantaleón

Ex-Yankees Andy Pettitte and Lance Berkman are long-time friends, dating back to their days with the Houston Astros. Berkman is a candidate to become the next baseball coach at Rice University. Would Berkman bring Pettitte on board as his pitching coach?

Last month, the Yankees announced who will be participating in Old-Timers’ Day on June 17.

The roster includes several players making their first appearance at Old-Timers’ Day: Jason Giambi, Aaron Boone, Nick Swisher and Andy Pettitte.

However, it’s possible another press release might come out shortly, announcing Pettitte’s new job, per the Boston Globe:

If Lance Berkman becomes the head coach at Rice University — his alma mater — could Andy Pettitte become the pitching coach? Very possible.

Pettitte and Berkman are long-time friends.

They were teammates with the Astros from 2004-06 and again with the Yankees in 2010.

In 2016 and 2017, they coached together at Second Baptist High School in Houston, Texas, per MLB.com:

“[Pettitte’s] one of my best friends in the world. I just love being around him every day,” said Berkman. “I don’t know that we’ve ever had a cross word between us. He’s the one that manages the pitching staff and sets all the bullpens. He’s a huge part of the reason why we’ve been successful.”

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Berkman is one of the candidates to become the new baseball coach at Rice University. Wayne Graham, the oldest coach in Division I baseball, said in April this will be his last season at Rice.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Berkman has been attending classes at Rice four days a week to complete a degree in kinesiology and already helps out with the baseball team.

Lance Berkman, considered the top player in school history, interviewed for the job last week, along with former star Jose Cruz Jr., a person familiar with the search process said Monday.

Rice officials have also had talks with Norm Charlton, a star pitcher for the Owls in the early 80s.

TCU pitching coach Kirk Saarloos has also interviewed for the job, a source said, and is considered one of the top targets.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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