Ankiel says he drank vodka before starts to tame anxiety (Yahoo Sports)

Rick Ankiel says he drank vodka before his first two starts in 2001 to quell anxiety after throwing five wild pitches in one inning during the previous season's playoffs. Ankiel had a promising rookie season as a 20-year-old with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2000, but he lost his control in the postseason. Ankiel pitched five innings and got the win against Arizona.