In this May 10, 2001, file photo, St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Rick Ankiel pitches during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Piartes at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Ankiel said Monday, Feb. 21, 2017, that 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.