CC Sabathia
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1980)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = CC Sabathia
| image = CC Sabathia pitching against Rays 9-8-16 (3).jpeg
| image_size = 280
| caption = Sabathia with the New York Yankees in 2016
| position = Pitcher
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|7|21}}
| birth_place = Vallejo, California, U.S.
| bats = Left
| throws = Left
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = April 8
| debutyear = 2001
| debutteam = Cleveland Indians
| finalleague = MLB
| finalteam = New York Yankees
| finaldate = September 24
| finalyear = 2019
| statleague = MLB
| stat1label = Win–loss record
| stat1value = 251–161
| stat2label = Earned run average
| stat2value = 3.74
| stat3label = Strikeouts
| stat3value = 3,093
| teams =
- Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2001}}–{{mlby|2008}})
- Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2008}})
- New York Yankees ({{mlby|2009}}–{{mlby|2019}})
| awards =
- 6× All-Star (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010–2012)
- World Series champion ({{wsy|2009}})
- AL Cy Young Award (2007)
- ALCS MVP ({{alcsy|2009}})
- 2× MLB wins leader (2009, 2010)
- Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame
|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
|hoftype = National
|hofdate = 2025
|hofvote = 86.8% (first ballot)
|hoffuture = true
}}
Carsten Charles Sabathia Jr. (born July 21, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. Sabathia batted and threw left-handed.
Sabathia made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2001 and placed second in the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award voting, behind the year's AL Most Valuable Player, Ichiro Suzuki. Sabathia played the first seven and a half seasons of his career with the Indians, with whom he won the 2007 Cy Young Award. He led the Indians to the 2007 AL Central Division title and their first postseason berth since his rookie year. Following a trade, Sabathia played the second half of the 2008 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, helping them make the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
In the 2008 offseason, Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees; at the time, it was the largest contract ever signed by a pitcher. With the Yankees, Sabathia led all of MLB in wins in both 2009 and 2010 and won a World Series championship in 2009. He was also voted the 2009 AL Championship Series Most Valuable Player. After mid-career struggles attributed to lost fastball velocity, chronic knee injuries, and alcoholism, Sabathia again found success in the late 2010s after reinventing himself as a control pitcher before retiring after the 2019 season.
During his career, Sabathia was named an All-Star six times and won the Warren Spahn Award three times in a row (2007–2009). In August 2017, Sabathia became the all-time AL leader in strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher. On April 30, 2019, he became the seventeenth pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts. When he retired following the end of the 2019 season, he led all active Major League players in career wins, career innings pitched, and career strikeouts. With 251 career victories, Sabathia is tied with Bob Gibson for the second-most wins by a Black pitcher in major league history (behind Ferguson Jenkins); he was the first pitcher to debut in the 21st century and post at least 250 career wins in regular-season play. In {{bhofy|2025}}, Sabathia was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Early life
Sabathia was born in Vallejo, California and attended Vallejo High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. As a teenager, Sabathia played summer baseball in the Major League Baseball youth program, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI).{{Cite web |title=Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities MLB Web Site |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/rbi.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427082930/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/rbi.jsp |archive-date=April 27, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2011 |website=MLB.com}} In baseball, he compiled a win–loss record of 6–0 with an 0.77 earned run average (ERA) and 82 strikeouts in {{fraction|45|2|3}} innings pitched during his senior season. He was the top high school prospect in Northern California according to Baseball America. In football, he was an all-conference tight end. He received scholarship offers to play college football, including one from the University of California, Los Angeles; he signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Hawai{{okina}}i at Mānoa and to play baseball and football for the Hawai{{okina}}i Rainbow Warriors.{{cite web |title=CC Sabathia Biography |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=282332 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423221620/http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=282332 |archive-date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2008 |work=Cleveland Indians |publisher=MLB.com}}{{cite news|last1=McCarron|first1=Anthony|title=The real CC: New Yank an ace off field|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/real-cc-sabathia-new-yankee-ace-field-article-1.357046|access-date=January 21, 2018|work=New York Daily News|date=December 11, 2008|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122001106/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/real-cc-sabathia-new-yankee-ace-field-article-1.357046|url-status=live}} Sabathia graduated from Vallejo High School in 1998{{cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Sean |date=September 7, 2018 |title=Yankees star CC Sabathia gives back to hometown Vallejo |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/sports/mlb/yankees-star-cc-sabathia-gives-back-to-hometown-vallejo/103-591717186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704010817/https://www.abc10.com/article/sports/mlb/yankees-star-cc-sabathia-gives-back-to-hometown-vallejo/103-591717186 |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=May 22, 2019 |website=KXTV}} and went directly from high school to minor league baseball.{{cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Alex |date=May 11, 2018 |title=Yankees: Is CC Sabathia's career coming to an end? |url=https://yanksgoyard.com/2018/05/11/yankees-sabathias-career-coming-end/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727183322/https://yanksgoyard.com/2018/05/11/yankees-sabathias-career-coming-end/ |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 22, 2019 |website=Yanks Go Yard |publisher=FanSided}}
Professional career
=Draft and minors=
The Cleveland Indians selected Sabathia in the first round, with the 20th overall selection, of the 1998 MLB draft.{{Cite web |title=1st Round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=1998&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} He signed for a $1.3 million signing bonus{{cite web |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=June 7, 2016 |title=Memory of MLB draft still vivid for CC Sabathia — 'I was in art class, third period' |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/art-class-period-thrill-draft-day-sticks-sabathia-article-1.2664369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413225326/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/art-class-period-thrill-draft-day-sticks-sabathia-article-1.2664369 |archive-date=April 13, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=New York Daily News}} and pitched in the Indians' minor league system for three seasons.{{cite news |last=Lapointe |first=Joe |date=March 3, 2008 |title=For Sabathia, Big Plans and Yet an Uncertain Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/sports/baseball/03sabathia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105151522/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/sports/baseball/03sabathia.html |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |access-date=May 22, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times}}
In 2000, Sabathia was selected for the 28-man United States Olympic Team roster. He appeared in one pre-Olympic tournament game in Sydney, Australia, but was not on the official 24-man, Gold Medal-winning roster because he was called up by the Cleveland Indians. He was named the Indians' 2000 Minor League Player of the Year (receiving the "Lou Boudreau Award").{{cite web |title=Minor League Player of the Year by Team |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016231321/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |archive-date=October 16, 2011 |access-date=July 25, 2011 |website=The Baseball Cube}}{{cite web |last=Murr |first=Chuck |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Cabrera, Laffey Receive '07 Honors |url=http://cubs.scout.com/a.z?s=260&p=2&c=706239 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001200631/http://cubs.scout.com/a.z?s=260&p=2&c=706239 |archive-date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=July 25, 2011 |website=Scout.com}}
=Cleveland Indians (2001–2008)=
In 2001, at age 20, Sabathia began his rookie season as the youngest player in the Major Leagues.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Tim |date=December 16, 2017 |title=Sources: CC Sabathia returning to the Yankees |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-cc-sabathia-returning-yankees-180635153.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417032050/https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-cc-sabathia-returning-yankees-180635153.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} He made his major league debut on April 8, 2001 against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing three earned runs on three hits while walking two and striking out three in {{Fraction|5|2|3}} innings. Sabathia would take a no-decision in Cleveland's 4–3 win.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Orioles vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: April 8, 2001 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE200104080.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} He ended the season with a 17–5 record and a 4.39 ERA in 33 starts, finishing second in the AL voting for Rookie of the Year behind future Yankees teammate Ichiro Suzuki.{{cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=February 16, 2019 |title=Yankees News: CC Sabathia Announces He Will Retire After 2019 MLB Season |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2821066-yankees-news-cc-sabathia-announces-he-will-retire-after-2019-mlb-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142524/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2821066-yankees-news-cc-sabathia-announces-he-will-retire-after-2019-mlb-season |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}} Sabathia also made his first postseason appearance in 2001, pitching Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners. He earned the win, pitching six innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out five in a 17–2 rout.{{cite web |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=December 10, 2008 |title=Through the Years: Newest Yankees ace CC Sabathia |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/years-newest-yankees-ace-cc-sabathia-article-1.354658 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417031240/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/years-newest-yankees-ace-cc-sabathia-article-1.354658 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=New York Daily News}}{{Cite web |last=Muskat |first=Carrie |date=October 14, 2001 |title=Indians roll over Mariners |url=http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ws/news/ws_news_story_al_2.jsp?article=10132001-1948 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020202042104/http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ws/news/ws_news_story_al_2.jsp?article=10132001-1948 |archive-date=February 2, 2002 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} At 21 years, 85 days of age, Sabathia became the second-youngest pitcher to win a Division Series game, after Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. The Indians went on to lose the series to the Mariners in five games.{{Cite web |title=2001 AL Division Series - Seattle Mariners over Cleveland Indians (3-2) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2001_ALDS1.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}}
On February 23, 2002, Sabathia signed a four-year, $9.5 million contract with the Indians that contained a club option for 2006.{{cite news |date=February 24, 2002 |title=Indians Sign Sabathia To 4-Year Deal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/24/sports/plus-baseball-indians-sign-sabathia-to-4-year-deal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615090620/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/24/sports/plus-baseball-indians-sign-sabathia-to-4-year-deal.html |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |access-date=October 28, 2009 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press}} For the 2002 season, he finished 13–11 with a 4.37 ERA in 33 starts. Sabathia ranked tenth in the AL in strikeouts, with 149 in 210 innings.{{Cite web |title=2002 American League Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2002-pitching-leaders.shtml |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} In 2003, Sabathia was 13–9 in 30 starts, and had the tenth-best ERA in the AL (3.60).{{Cite web |title=2003 American League Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2003-pitching-leaders.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} He was also named to the American League All-Star team for the first time. Sabathia made his second All-Star selection in a row as he finished the 2004 season by going 11–10 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts, striking out 139 batters in 188 innings.
The Indians picked up Sabathia's $7 million club option for 2006 on April 27, 2005, and he subsequently signed a two-year, $17.75 million deal.{{cite news |date=April 27, 2005 |title=Sabathia to make $24.75 million next three years |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2047624 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228074803/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2047624 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2009 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} In 2005, Sabathia posted a 15–10 record with a 4.03 ERA in 31 starts. He was fourth in the AL in strikeouts/9 IP (7.37), seventh in strikeouts (161) and eighth in wins.{{Cite web |title=2005 American League Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2005-pitching-leaders.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} He threw the fastest fastball in the AL in 2005, averaging 94.7 miles per hour.{{cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2005 » Pitchers » Pitch Type Statistics |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=4&season=2005&month=0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114164315/http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=4&season=2005&month=0 |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2010 |website=FanGraphs}}
In 2006, Sabathia made 28 starts, going 12–11 with a 3.22 ERA. led the major leagues with six complete games. He also led the AL in shutouts (2) and was third in ERA and eighth in strikeouts (172).
Sabathia "burst onto the national scene" in 2007, "when he won the AL Cy Young after recording a 19–7 record, a 3.21 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, 209 strikeouts, and a major league-leading 241 innings pitched and 5.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio".{{cite web |last=Clary |first=Heath |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Rough 3-Year Stretch Shouldn't Overshadow CC Sabathia's Outstanding Career |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2489252-rough-three-year-stretch-shouldnt-overshadow-cc-sabathias-outstanding-career |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417031239/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2489252-rough-three-year-stretch-shouldnt-overshadow-cc-sabathias-outstanding-career |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}} He collected his 1,000th career strikeout on May 21, 2007, fanning the player who beat him out for Rookie of the Year honors: Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners. He was also named to the American League All-Star team for the third time. On September 28, he became the youngest pitcher to record 100 career wins since Greg Maddux in 1993. On October 23, Sabathia won the Players Choice Award for Outstanding AL Pitcher.{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Pitcher of the Year Award on Baseball Almanac |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/outstanding_pitcher_of_the_year_award.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114044429/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/outstanding_pitcher_of_the_year_award.shtml |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |website=Baseball Almanac}} His pitching performance led Cleveland to its first American League Central Division Championship since 2001, his rookie season. For his performance, he won the 2007 American League Cy Young Award, joining Gaylord Perry as one of only two Cleveland Indians pitchers to ever win it. (Cliff Lee, Corey Kluber, and Shane Bieber have since also won, with Kluber winning twice.){{cite web |author=Beck |first=Jason |date=November 13, 2007 |title=Sabathia takes home AL Cy Young |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071113&content_id=2299400&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526095147/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071113&content_id=2299400&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2008 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia also won the Warren Spahn Award given to the best left-handed pitcher in the Majors.{{cite web |title=Oklahoma Sports Museum – Warren Spahn Award |url=http://www.oklahomasportsmuseum.org/warr.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119051758/http://www.oklahomasportsmuseum.org/warr.htm |archive-date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2008 |website=Oklahoma Sports Museum}} Despite his strong regular season, Sabathia did not perform well against the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series. In two starts, he went 0–2 with a 10.45 ERA.{{cite web |last=Linneweber |first=Colin |date=October 21, 2009 |title=CC Sabathia's The Greatest Free-Agent Pitcher The Yanks Have Ever Signed |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/276100-cc-sabathias-the-greatest-free-agent-pitcher-the-yanks-have-ever-signed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417031241/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/276100-cc-sabathias-the-greatest-free-agent-pitcher-the-yanks-have-ever-signed |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}
Sabathia began the 2008 season 6–8 with a 3.83 ERA in 18 starts. With the Indians out of playoff contention, and with Sabathia an impending free agent, the Indians traded him.{{cite web |date=July 8, 2008 |title=Brewers let go of four prospects to acquire Sabathia |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3476456 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505025056/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3476456 |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=ESPN}}{{cite web |author=Rosen |first=Adam |date=September 16, 2010 |title=Mr. Clutch: CC Sabathia and the Top 10 Pennant-Race Performances Ever |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/464408-mr-clutch-cc-sabathia-and-the-top-10-pennant-race-performances-ever#slide0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417031246/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/464408-mr-clutch-cc-sabathia-and-the-top-10-pennant-race-performances-ever#slide0 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}
On July 30, 2008, Sabathia took out a large $12,870 ad in the sports section of Cleveland's daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer. The ad, signed by Sabathia, his wife Amber, and his family read:
{{blockquote|Thank you for 10 great years ... You've touched our lives with your kindness, love and generosity. We are forever grateful! It's been a privilege and an honor!{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3511802|title=Sabathia takes out ad in paper thanking Cleveland fans|date=July 30, 2008|work=ESPN|access-date=July 31, 2008|archive-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214134620/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3511802|url-status=live}}}}
File:CC Sabathia.jpg Sabathia finished his tenure with the Indians with 106 wins against 71 losses in 237 starts, a 3.83 ERA and 1.265 WHIP, and 1,265 strikeouts in {{frac|1,528|2|3}} innings.
=Milwaukee Brewers (2008)=
On July 7, 2008, Cleveland traded Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers for Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson.{{cite press release |title=Brewers acquire CC Sabathia |date=July 7, 2008 |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3084949&vkey=pr_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil |access-date=July 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709002752/http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3084949&vkey=pr_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil |archive-date=July 9, 2008 |work=Milwaukee Brewers}} In October, Michael Brantley was added as a player to be named later; unusually, under the trade provisions the Indians were able to select the player themselves because the Brewers went on to make the playoffs.{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=October 3, 2008 |title=Brantley completes deal for Tribe |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081003&content_id=3586886&vkey=news_mlb&feat=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629190630/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081003&content_id=3586886&vkey=news_mlb&feat=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=December 19, 2008 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} During his press conference, Sabathia told the assembled members of the media that he would prefer his name to be spelled "CC" rather than "C. C."{{cite magazine |date=July 7, 2008 |title=Punctuation purge: New Brewers P Sabathia ditches dots in 'CC' |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/07/07/cc.name.ap/index.html?eref=T1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712051432/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/07/07/cc.name.ap/index.html?eref=T1 |archive-date=July 12, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2008 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=CNN |via=Associated Press}}
On September 28, 2008, Sabathia pitched a complete-game four-hitter against the Cubs in the final game of the regular season; the Brewers won, 3–1, and clinching the wild card when the New York Mets lost later that evening.{{cite web |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Brewers beat Cubs 3–1, clinch playoff spot |url=https://qctimes.com/sports/baseball/brewers-beat-cubs---clinch-playoff-spot/article_e95e90ad-63c3-5103-b040-9434ac486ebc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417050142/https://qctimes.com/sports/baseball/brewers-beat-cubs---clinch-playoff-spot/article_e95e90ad-63c3-5103-b040-9434ac486ebc.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Quad-City Times |agency=Associated Press}} The team's 2008 postseason appearance was its first since 1982.{{cite web |author=Borzi |first=Pat |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Brewers Earn First Playoff Berth Since 1982 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/29/sports/baseball/29brewers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417050143/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/29/sports/baseball/29brewers.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=The New York Times}} Sabathia started Game 2 of the 2008 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies; it was his fourth consecutive start in which he pitched on three days' rest. Sabathia surrendered five runs in 3{{fraction|2|3}} innings, walking pitcher Brett Myers and giving up a grand slam to Shane Victorino.{{cite web |date=October 3, 2008 |title=CC, Brewers stumble and fall into 0–2 hole |url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/10/3/20278189/cc-brewers-stumble-and-fall-into-0-2-hole/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417050143/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700263709/CC-Brewers-stumble-and-fall-into-0-2-hole.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Deseret News}} The Phillies would go on to win the World Series.{{cite web |author=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=October 29, 2008 |title=For Phillies and City, Title Is Worth the Wait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/sports/baseball/30series.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417050141/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/sports/baseball/30series.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=The New York Times}}
For the season, Sabathia was 17–10 overall with a 2.70 ERA in 35 starts{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=December 7, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia deal key at Yankees' 2008 Meetings |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-deal-key-at-yankees-2008-meetings-c263069510 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417044937/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-deal-key-at-yankees-2008-meetings-c263069510 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} and struck out 251 batters in a major-league leading 253 innings, posting 10 complete games (five shutouts).{{cite web |date=March 15, 2010 |title=Fantasy spring training: Bringing the heat |url=https://nypost.com/2010/03/15/fantasy-spring-training-bringing-the-heat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417044937/https://nypost.com/2010/03/15/fantasy-spring-training-bringing-the-heat/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=New York Post}} Sabathia was sixth in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |date=November 17, 2008 |title=Crowning achievement: Pujols NL MVP |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206082728/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |access-date=November 19, 2008 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia was particularly dominant during his tenure with Milwaukee, going 11–2 across 17 starts with a 1.65 ERA and a 1.003 WHIP, striking out 128 batters against just 25 walks in {{frac|130|2|3}} innings, and throwing seven complete games (three shutouts). Despite only spending half the season in the National League, he finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting and sixth in the NL MVP vote (finishing as the highest-ranking pitcher). He was also awarded the Warren Spahn Award for the second year in a row.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=December 5, 2008 |title=C.C. Sabathia repeats as Spahn Award winner |url=https://newsok.com/article/3327931/cc-sabathia-repeats-as-spahn-award-winner |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417050138/https://newsok.com/article/3327931/cc-sabathia-repeats-as-spahn-award-winner |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=The Oklahoman |agency=Associated Press}}
=New York Yankees (2009–2019)=
==2009: Major league wins leader, ALCS MVP, World Series champion==
On December 18, 2008, Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees. It was the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history at the time.{{cite web |date=December 18, 2008 |title=New York Yankees sign left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia |url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081218&content_id=3721184&vkey=pr_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220044351/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081218&content_id=3721184&vkey=pr_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |access-date=July 19, 2009 |website=New York Yankees |publisher=MLB.com}}{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2008 |title=Yankees finalize deals for Sabathia, Burnett |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2008/12/18/yankees-finalize-deals-for-sabathia-burnett/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} On March 26, 2009, manager Joe Girardi announced that Sabathia would be the Opening Day starter and the starter for the home opener at the new Yankee Stadium.{{cite news |last=Feinsand |first=Mark |date=March 26, 2009 |title=Joe Girardi tabs CC Sabathia to start Opening Day & new Stadium opener |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-03-26/sports/17918295_1_joe-girardi-yankee-stadium-cc-sabathia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112140125/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-03-26/sports/17918295_1_joe-girardi-yankee-stadium-cc-sabathia |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |work=New York Daily News}} Sabathia finished the season 19–8 with a 3.37 ERA (the fourth-best in the American League) and 1.15 WHIP across 34 starts. He struck out 197 batters in 230 innings against 67 walks, gave up 197 hits and just 18 home runs, held opponents to a .232 batting average, and threw two complete games (one shutout).{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Jordan |date=November 25, 2009 |title=Grading the New York Yankees: Pitchers |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/296668-grading-the-new-york-yankees-pitchers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620031209/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/296668-grading-the-new-york-yankees-pitchers |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}} His 19 wins were tied for the most in the major leagues that year alongside Félix Hernández, Justin Verlander, and Adam Wainwright.{{Cite web |last=Z |first=Jeffrey |date=October 3, 2009 |title=New York Yankees: The New Kids In The Bronx |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/265788-the-new-kids-in-the-bronx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620031207/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/265788-the-new-kids-in-the-bronx |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}} He was also awarded the August 2009 AL Pitcher of the Month Award, posting a 5–0 record in six starts with a 2.64 ERA and 49 strikeouts in {{frac|44|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=MLB Major League Baseball Pitchers of the Month |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-pitchers-of-the-month.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308062524/https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-pitchers-of-the-month.shtml |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=Baseball Reference |publisher=Sports Reference}} Sabathia was particularly dominant after the All-Star break, going 11–2 in 15 starts, striking out 102 batters in {{frac|101|2|3}} innings and posting a 2.74 ERA.{{Cite web |title=CC Sabathia 2009 Pitching Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=sabatc.01&t=p&year=2009 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} The Yankees finished the regular season with a 103–59 record, the best in the Major Leagues.
Sabathia earned his first career postseason victory with the Yankees in the first game of the 2009 ALDS against the Minnesota Twins. He gave up two runs (one earned) in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings with eight strikeouts as the Yankees swept the series in three games, their first postseason series win since 2004.{{Cite web |title=2009 AL Division Series – New York Yankees over Minnesota Twins (3–0) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2009_ALDS1.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512232805/https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2009_ALDS1.shtml |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} Sabathia also won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) Most Valuable Player Award;{{cite web |date=October 26, 2009 |title=New York Yankees' CC Sabathia named ALCS MVP after playoff rebirth |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4594974 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129035505/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4594974 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} in two starts against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he went 2–0 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings, throwing eight innings of one-run ball in both of his starts.{{Cite web |title=2009 ALCS – New York Yankees over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (4–2) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2009_ALCS.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928195034/https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2009_ALCS.shtml |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} The Yankees beat the Angels in six games to advance to their first World Series since 2003.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=October 26, 2009 |title=After Six Years, Center Stage Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/sports/baseball/26yanks.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620031208/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/sports/baseball/26yanks.html |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times}}
File:CC Sabathia Mark Teixeira World Series parade 2009.jpg during the 2009 World Series victory parade]]
Despite failing to pick up a win in either of his World Series starts, Sabathia was effective, posting a 3.29 ERA in {{frac|13|2|3}} innings to help lead the Yankees to a series win over the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies in six games. The World Series championship was the Yankees' 27th, their first in the new Yankee Stadium,{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=May 7, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia will retire if Yankees win it all |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-will-retire-if-yankees-win-it-all/c-275660142 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142416/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-will-retire-if-yankees-win-it-all/c-275660142 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} their first since 2000, and the first of Sabathia's career. In five postseason starts, Sabathia went 3–1 with a 1.98 ERA in {{frac|36|1|3}} innings. Sabathia finished fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting behind Zack Greinke, Hernández, and Justin Verlander and 21st in the MVP voting (being one of six Yankees players to receive MVP votes). He also received the Warren Spahn Award for the third year in a row, becoming the first Yankees pitcher to win it since Andy Pettitte in 2003.{{cite web |author=Patterson |first=Matt |date=October 26, 2009 |title=Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia wins Warren Spahn Award |url=https://newsok.com/article/3412036/yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-wins-warren-spahn-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032604/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2009/10/26/yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-wins-warren-spahn-award/61338199007/ |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=The Oklahoman |publisher=}}
==2010–2012: Continued dominance==
On July 4, 2010, Sabathia earned his fourth All-Star selection, and his first as a Yankee. At the time of the All-Star break, Sabathia was 12–3 with a 3.09 ERA in 131 innings (19 starts).{{Cite web |title=CC Sabathia 2010 Pitching Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=sabatc.01&t=p&year=2010 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} On August 22, Sabathia recorded his 16th consecutive start of at least six innings allowing three earned runs or less, breaking a tie with Ron Guidry (from his Cy Young Award-winning 1978 season) for the longest streak in franchise history.{{cite news |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=August 22, 2010 |title=Sabathia makes Yankee history |url=http://riveraveblues.com/2010/08/sabathia-makes-yankee-history-34188/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824151749/http://riveraveblues.com/2010/08/sabathia-makes-yankee-history-34188/ |archive-date=August 24, 2010 |access-date=August 22, 2010 |work=River Ave Blues}} His streak was snapped in his next start on August 28, where he allowed five earned runs in seven innings to the Chicago White Sox.{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2010 |title=New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox Box Score: August 28, 2010 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA201008280.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} The 2010 season was the first in Sabathia's career in which he won 20 games.{{cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Thomas |date=September 18, 2010 |title=Sabathia Reaches 20 Wins for the First Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/sports/baseball/19yankees.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904210202/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/sports/baseball/19yankees.html |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |work=The New York Times}} He ended the season with 21 wins, the most in the major leagues, against just 7 losses. In {{frac|237|2|3}} innings pitched, Sabathia posted a 3.18 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, gave up 209 hits, struck out 197 batters against 74 walks, threw two complete games, and held opponents to a .239 batting average. 26 of his 34 starts were quality starts, a career-high.{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=February 13, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia's chances at the Hall of Fame |url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-s-chances-at-the-hall-of-fame-c303918188 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417064442/https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-s-chances-at-the-hall-of-fame-c303918188 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=New York Yankees |publisher=MLB.com}} The Yankees won the AL Wild Card after finishing second in the AL East to the Tampa Bay Rays with a 95–67 record. Despite posting a 2–0 record in three playoff starts that year, Sabathia posted a 5.63 ERA across 16 innings as the Yankees were defeated in the ALCS by the Texas Rangers in six games. He finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting behind Félix Hernández and David Price, as well as 13th in the MVP voting.
During the offseason, Sabathia was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, requiring arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Christopher Ahmad to repair. Sabathia began therapy immediately after the surgery and began his regular routine in preparation for spring training after three to six weeks.{{cite news |last=Costa |first=Brian |date=October 28, 2010 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia Having Knee Surgery |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304173704575578870990863274 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110041921/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304173704575578870990863274 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |access-date=December 1, 2010 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{cite news |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=October 29, 2010 |title=CC has surgery (updated!) |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/2010/10/cc-has-surgery.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101031135/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/2010/10/cc-has-surgery.html |archive-date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=December 1, 2010 |work=New York Daily News |location=New York}} He lost weight in an effort to prevent future problems with his knee.{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Mark |date=February 12, 2011 |title=Weight loss should help Yankees' Sabathia with knee |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/lighter_cc_knee_bothered_me_OfLWPbz1BPJGfWNgzFEJtN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214144925/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/lighter_cc_knee_bothered_me_OfLWPbz1BPJGfWNgzFEJtN |archive-date=February 14, 2011 |access-date=February 12, 2011 |work=New York Post}}
In 2011, Sabathia was the Opening Day starter for the Yankees for the third year in a row. Sabathia was named to his fifth career All-Star Game, replacing James Shields on the roster; however, he elected to pitch the Sunday before the All-Star Game and his spot on the active roster was given to Alexi Ogando. In his final start before the All-Star break, Sabathia threw a complete game, four-hit shutout against the Rays at Yankees Stadium, his first at home since he joined the Yankees. He struck out nine and walked one, outdueling Shields as the Yankees beat the Rays 1–0.{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Rick |date=July 10, 2011 |title=Sabathia’s complete game shutout lifts Yankees over Rays |url=https://nypost.com/2011/07/10/sabathias-complete-game-shutout-lifts-yankees-over-rays/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} He became the first Yankee pitcher to have 13 wins by the All-Star break since Andy Pettitte in 1996, and his 2.72 ERA was the lowest ERA by a Yankee starter in the first half of the season since David Cone in 1999. On July 26, 2011, Sabathia took a perfect game through {{fraction|6|1|3}} innings against the Seattle Mariners, retiring the first 19 batters he faced in a game interrupted twice due to rain. He ended up striking out 14 batters through seven innings (setting a career high), and pitching a combined one-hitter.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2011 |title=Seattle Mariners vs New York Yankees Box Score: July 26, 2011 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA201107260.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} For his performance in July 2011 (a 4–1 record in five starts with a 0.92 ERA, just one home run allowed, 50 strikeouts in 39 innings pitched, and a .140 batting average against), Sabathia was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, his fifth career Pitcher of the Month award and second with the Yankees.{{cite web |date=August 3, 2011 |title=Yankees' Sabathia named AL Pitcher of the Month for July |url=https://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/230445-Yankees-Sabathia-named-AL-Pitcher-of-the-Month-for-July |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Are You Watching This?}} Sabathia recorded his 2,000th career strikeout on September 10, 2011, against Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a 6–0 Yankees loss.{{cite web |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Angels' Dan Haren K's 7 in 4-hit shutout of Yankees |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310910103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928030646/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310910103 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=December 3, 2011 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}
Across 33 starts in 2011, Sabathia had a 19–8 record, a 3.00 ERA, and a 1.23 WHIP. Across {{frac|237|1|3}} innings, he struck out 230 batters against 61 walks (good for 8.72 K/9 and 3.72 K/BB ratios), held batters to a .255 batting average, threw three complete games (one shutout), posted 22 quality starts, and gave up just 17 home runs for a career-low rate of 0.64 home runs per nine innings. His 230 strikeouts marked the third-highest number of strikeouts in a single season in franchise history, the most since Ron Guidry's franchise record 248 strikeouts in 1978, and the second-most in the American League behind Justin Verlander's 250 strikeouts. Sabathia also became the first Yankee pitcher to strike out more than 200 batters in a single season since Randy Johnson in 2005, as well as the first Yankee pitcher to finish in the top two in the American League in strikeouts since Johnson did so that same year. The Yankees won the AL East once again with a 97–65 record, however, Sabathia struggled in the ALDS, posting a 6.23 ERA in {{frac|8|2|3}} innings in three appearances (two starts) as the Yankees were defeated by the Detroit Tigers in five games. Sabathia once again finished fourth in the AL Cy Young voting, placing behind Verlander (who won the Cy Young, Triple Crown, and MVP awards), Jered Weaver, and Shields, as well as 14th in the MVP ballot.{{cite web |title=2011 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2011.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902042218/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2011.shtml#ALcya |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012 |work=Baseball Reference}}
Though his contract with the Yankees allowed him to opt out and become a free agent after the 2011 season, Sabathia said he had no intention of opting out of his contract.{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Mark |date=August 23, 2010 |title=Sabathia blanks Mariners, says he's staying in The Bronx |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/it_win_win_for_st_place_yanks_zFtoZ8snrLfdIQYsIIShsI#ixzz0xSOZyn4O |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925071230/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/it_win_win_for_st_place_yanks_zFtoZ8snrLfdIQYsIIShsI#ixzz0xSOZyn4O |archive-date=September 25, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2011 |work=New York Post}}{{cite news |last=King III |first=George A. |date=December 8, 2010 |title=Sabathia won't opt out if Yankees pay Lee more |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/sabathia_won_opt_out_QlbkwNJTs8kPeFvIJm8ONL |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210052722/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/sabathia_won_opt_out_QlbkwNJTs8kPeFvIJm8ONL |archive-date=December 10, 2010 |access-date=December 8, 2010 |work=New York Post}} On October 31, 2011, Sabathia announced that he had signed a contract extension with the Yankees. The contract extension added one season (2016) to Sabathia's contract and called for him to be paid $25 million that season. In addition, the extension provided for a vesting option in which Sabathia would be paid $25 million for the 2017 season unless the Yankees exercised a $5 million buyout due to issues with Sabathia's left shoulder.{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2011 |title=Yanks, Sabathia reach five-year, $122M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7175711/new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-reach-five-year-122m-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703134930/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7175711/new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-reach-five-year-122m-deal |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |access-date=July 3, 2020 |website=ESPN |language=en}}
File:CC Sabathia on September 6, 2012.jpg
Sabathia began the 2012 season poorly, allowing a grand slam by Carlos Peña in his first inning of work on Opening Day against the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=April 7, 2012 |title=Girardi's first-inning plan is not so grand |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2012/04/07/joe-girardi-orders-yankees-ace-cc-sabathia-to-intentionally-walk-sean-rodriguez-setting-up-carlos-penas-grand-slam-on-way-to-opening-day-loss-against-tampa-bay-rays/ |access-date=June 19, 2012 |work=New York Daily News}} He recovered, however, going 9–3 with a 3.45 ERA in his first 15 starts before the All-Star break.{{Cite web |title=CC Sabathia 2012 Pitching Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=sabatc.01&t=p&year=2012 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} He threw a complete game against the Atlanta Braves on June 18, allowing two runs and one walk while striking out ten. It was Sabathia's 34th career complete game and eighth as a Yankee.{{cite web |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia dominates in complete-game victory, which could be start of something big for lefty |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-victory-a-complete-success-article-1.1098203 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622034654/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-victory-a-complete-success-article-1.1098203 |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012 |work=New York Daily News}} Sabathia was named an All-Star for the third season in a row and sixth time in his career; however, he was unable to participate as he was placed on the disabled list on June 27 with a strained adductor muscle.{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Sean |date=June 27, 2012 |title=Yankees place ace CC Sabathia on 15-day disabled list with strained muscle, Joe Girardi only expects him to miss two starts |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2012/06/27/yankees-place-ace-cc-sabathia-on-15-day-disabled-list-with-strained-muscle-joe-girardi-only-expects-him-to-miss-two-starts/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}} Sabathia was placed on the disabled list again on August 11 with soreness in his left elbow,{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2012 |title=Yanks put Sabathia back on DL |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/08/12/yanks-put-sabathia-back-on/49468474007/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Times Herald-Record |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} but returned on August 24 against the Cleveland Indians, tossing {{Fraction|7|1|3}} strong innings in a 3–1 win.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 24, 2012 |title=Sabathia stops Yanks’ streak, beats Indians 3-1 |url=https://nypost.com/2012/08/24/sabathia-stops-yanks-streak-beats-indians-3-1/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} He finished the year strongly after returning from injury, post a 2.93 ERA across his final eight starts (despite an average record of 3–3), striking out 57 in {{frac|58|1|3}} innings against nine walks and limiting opponents to a batting average of .215. Despite only making 28 starts in the 2012 season, Sabathia reached the 200+ innings pitched tier for the sixth consecutive year (and seventh overall). Alongside a 15–6 record with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP, Sabathia gave up 184 hits in exactly 200 innings, struck out 197 batters against just 44 walks (his 4.48 strikeout-to-walk ratio was the best among all American League starters and his 1.98 BB/9 rate was his lowest since his Cy Young-winning season in 2007), threw two complete games, and held batters to a .238 average. Of his 28 starts, 19 were quality starts. The Yankees won the AL East for the third time in four years with a 95–67 record, the best in the American League.
File:CC Sabathia pitching against Orioles in Game 5 of ALDS 10-12-12 (2).jpeg
In the 2012 American League Division Series, Sabathia dominated, winning both the first and fifth (deciding) games against the Baltimore Orioles. After throwing {{frac|8|2|3}} innings and giving up just two earned runs in a win at Camden Yards in Game 1, Sabathia threw his first career postseason complete game in Game 5, allowing one run, four hits, two walks and striking out nine as the Yankees defeated the Orioles in five games.{{Cite web |title=CC Sabathia Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=sabatc.01&t=p&year=0&post=1 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} However, Sabathia lost Game 4 of the 2012 ALCS (pitching on an extra day's rest), allowing six runs (five earned) in {{frac|3|2|3}} innings to the Detroit Tigers, as the Yankees, who had already lost Derek Jeter for the rest of the postseason in Game 1 due to a fractured ankle, were swept in four games. On October 25, 2012, Sabathia underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove a bone spur which had been affecting him since his tenure with Cleveland.{{cite web |author=Marchand |first=Andrew |date=October 26, 2012 |title=CC Sabathia has elbow surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8551938/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-surgery-remove-bone-spur-elbow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029005930/http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8551938/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-surgery-remove-bone-spur-elbow |archive-date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2012 |work=ESPN}} Despite dealing with the bone spur, Sabathia's overall record in his first four years with Yankees were stellar, posting a 74–29 record with a 3.22 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, throwing 905 innings over 129 starts (88 of which were quality), nine complete games, striking out 821 batters against 246 walks, and giving up just 820 hits and 77 home runs (thereby equating to a seasonal average of 32 starts (22 quality), 18 wins, 226 innings pitched, allowing 205 hits and 62 walks, notching 205 strikeouts, giving up 19 home runs, and posting rates of 0.77 HR/9, 2.45 BB/9, 8.16 K/9, 3.34 K/BB and a .241 opponent batting average).
==2013–2015: Seasons of struggle==
On April 1, 2013, Sabathia made his eighth consecutive Opening Day start (and fifth for the Yankees), allowing four earned runs in five innings in an 8–2 loss to the Boston Red Sox.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2013 |title=Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Box Score: April 1, 2013 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA201304010.shtml |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Baseball Reference |language=en}} On July 3, Sabathia collected his 200th career win against the Minnesota Twins.{{cite news |date=July 4, 2013 |title=CC Sabathia gets 200th career win as Yankees edge Twins |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/07/04/cc-sabathia-200th-career-win-yankees-beat-twins/2488553/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707122138/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/07/04/cc-sabathia-200th-career-win-yankees-beat-twins/2488553/ |archive-date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} His season ended early due to a strained hamstring. He finished with a 14–13 record and a then-career-worst 4.78 ERA in 211 innings across 32 starts.{{cite web |last=Kerber |first=Fred |date=September 21, 2013 |title=Sabathia: 'I'll be back to myself' for Yankees in 2014 |url=https://nypost.com/2013/09/24/sabathia-ill-be-back-to-myself-for-yankees-in-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926095235/http://nypost.com/2013/09/24/sabathia-ill-be-back-to-myself-for-yankees-in-2014/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=New York Post}}
File:CC Sabathia on July 2, 2014 (1).jpg
Sabathia lost {{convert|40|lbs}} in 2013 and arrived at spring training in 2014 weighing {{convert|275|lbs}}. He admitted to crash dieting after a cousin of his died of heart disease in December 2012.{{cite news |author=Harper |first=John |date=February 14, 2014 |title=Slimmed-down CC Sabathia focused on being ace of Yankees staff again |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/harper-slimmed-down-sabathia-regain-place-yankees-ace-article-1.1615270 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226002704/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/harper-slimmed-down-sabathia-regain-place-yankees-ace-article-1.1615270 |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |work=New York Daily News}}{{cite web |author=Justice |first=Richard |date=February 14, 2014 |title=Richard Justice: Slimmed-down CC Sabathia ready to succeed |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/richard-justice-slimmed-down-cc-sabathia-ready-to-succeed?ymd=20140214&content_id=67778366 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225015058/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/richard-justice-slimmed-down-cc-sabathia-ready-to-succeed?ymd=20140214&content_id=67778366 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} His season was plagued by right knee difficulties. On July 16, it was announced that his season had ended. In only eight starts, Sabathia went 3–4 with a 5.28 ERA. He underwent knee surgery on July 23.{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=July 18, 2014 |title=CC to have season-ending surgery |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/07/18/85113274/yankees-gm-brian-cashman-announces-season-ending-surgery-for-cc-sabathia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725201431/http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/07/18/85113274/yankees-gm-brian-cashman-announces-season-ending-surgery-for-cc-sabathia |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=July 18, 2014 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}
In 2015, Sabathia reported to spring training weighing {{convert|305|lbs}}, as he believed his decreased weight had contributed to his poor and injury-shortened 2014 season.{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Wallace |date=February 21, 2015 |title=Sabathia weighs in at 305 lbs., on purpose |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/82386/sabathia-weighs-in-at-305-lbs-on-purpose |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009093135/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/82386/sabathia-weighs-in-at-305-lbs-on-purpose |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=ESPN}} During a game against the Angels on June 7, 2015, Sabathia recorded his 2,500th career strikeout, becoming the 31st pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.{{cite web |last1=Woods |first1=Alden |date=June 7, 2015 |title=Sabathia records 2,500th strikeout, but then gets ejected as Yanks complete sweep over Angels. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-reaches-2500-ks-then-gets-ejected/c-129135886 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609200458/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/129135886/cc-sabathia-reaches-2500-career-strikeouts |archive-date=June 9, 2015 |access-date=June 7, 2015 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}
Sabathia went on the disabled list on August 23, 2015, with right knee soreness. He had a 4–9 record with a 5.27 ERA in 24 games started to that point.{{cite web |last=King III |first=George A. |date=August 25, 2015 |title=CC Sabathia rules out surgery, stays open to bullpen role |url=https://nypost.com/2015/08/25/cc-sabathia-rules-out-surgery-stays-open-to-bullpen-role/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010134634/http://nypost.com/2015/08/25/cc-sabathia-rules-out-surgery-stays-open-to-bullpen-role/ |archive-date=October 10, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=New York Post}} He returned to the Yankees on September 9 wearing a knee brace.{{cite web |last=Kerber |first=Fred |date=September 10, 2015 |title=Why CC Sabathia is so hopeful after first start in knee brace |url=https://nypost.com/2015/09/10/why-cc-sabathia-is-so-hopeful-after-first-start-in-knee-brace/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014005047/http://nypost.com/2015/09/10/why-cc-sabathia-is-so-hopeful-after-first-start-in-knee-brace/ |archive-date=October 14, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=New York Post}} He pitched to a 2.17 ERA in five starts after returning, including winning the game that clinched the Yankees a playoff berth in the 2015 American League Wild Card Game.{{cite web |last=Kerber |first=Fred |date=October 2, 2015 |title=Worst fears to clincher: CC Sabathia comes full circle in a month |url=https://nypost.com/2015/10/02/worst-fears-to-clincher-cc-sabathia-comes-full-circle-in-a-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006040912/http://nypost.com/2015/10/02/worst-fears-to-clincher-cc-sabathia-comes-full-circle-in-a-month/ |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=New York Post}} However, he missed that game{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=October 1, 2017 |title=If this was CC Sabathia's last Yankees start, he made it count |url=https://nypost.com/2017/10/01/if-this-was-cc-sabathias-last-yankees-start-he-made-it-count/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417052359/https://nypost.com/2017/10/01/if-this-was-cc-sabathias-last-yankees-start-he-made-it-count/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=New York Post}} after checking himself into an alcohol rehabilitation facility;{{cite web |date=December 16, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia re-signing with Yankees; agent says pitcher has 'unfinished business' |url=https://abc7ny.com/2788715/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417052403/https://abc7ny.com/2788715/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=WABC-TV |publisher=ESPN}} the Yankees would go on to lose to the Houston Astros. Sabathia finished the season with a 6–10 record in 29 starts with a 4.73 ERA in {{frac|167|1|3}} innings.{{Cite web |title=CC Sabathia Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508165814/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabatc.01.shtml |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |access-date=October 4, 2019 |website=Baseball Reference}}
==2016–2019: Late-career resurgence==
The 2016 season was a season of improvement for Sabathia.{{cite web |last=Herrmann |first=A.J. |date=September 29, 2016 |title=CC Sabathia: 'I want to pitch after next year' |url=http://m.yesnetwork.com/news/article/2016/09/29/204065528 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051436/http://m.yesnetwork.com/news/article/2016/09/29/204065528 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=YES Network}} On April 9, 2016, Sabathia picked up the win in his season debut after limiting the Detroit Tigers to three earned runs in six innings.{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2016 |title=Yankees win in Sabathia's return, 8-4 over Tigers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360409106 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} On May 6, Sabathia was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a left groin strain.{{Cite web |last=Suss |first=Nick |date=May 6, 2016 |title=CC placed on DL; Nova slides into rotation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-goes-on-15-day-disabled-list-c176566942 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |language=en}} On May 20, Sabathia recorded his 100th win as a Yankee in an 8–3 victory over the Oakland Athletics, going six innings, allowing one run and striking out eight.{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Wallace |date=May 20, 2016 |title=C.C. Sabathia earns 100th win as a Yankee in first start off the DL |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/92810/win-over-as-is-a-milestone-for-cc-sabathia-and-maybe-the-yankees |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524061637/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/92810/win-over-as-is-a-milestone-for-cc-sabathia-and-maybe-the-yankees |archive-date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2016 |website=ESPN}} Making 30 starts in 2016, Sabathia finished 9–12 with a 3.91 ERA in {{frac|179|2|3|}} innings (16 quality starts) with 152 strikeouts and a 1.32 WHIP. Sabathia's 2016 improvement was credited, in part, to his continued use of an effective knee brace.{{cite web |date=October 6, 2016 |title=Yankees notes: CC Sabathia due for knee procedure |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2016/10/06/yankees-notes-cc-sabathia-due-for-knee-procedure/93043272/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051310/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2016/10/06/yankees-notes-cc-sabathia-due-for-knee-procedure/93043272/ |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=North Jersey Media Group}} On October 11, Sabathia underwent a routine surgery on his right knee.{{cite web |date=October 11, 2016 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia Has Surgery On Troublesome Right Knee |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/10/11/yankees-cc-sabathia-knee-surgery-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012162219/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/10/11/yankees-cc-sabathia-knee-surgery-2/ |archive-date=October 12, 2016 |access-date=October 11, 2016 |website=CBS New York}} The Yankees did not appear in the 2016 postseason.{{cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Why the Yankees had a good year in 2016 despite falling short of the playoffs |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/why-the-yankees-had-a-good-year-in-2016-despite-falling-short-of-the-playoffs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417052627/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/why-the-yankees-had-a-good-year-in-2016-despite-falling-short-of-the-playoffs/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}}
File:CC Sabathia in 2017 (36250587373).jpg
Sabathia experienced a career renaissance in 2017,{{cite web |last=Botte |first=Peter |date=October 6, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia's renaissance of a season leads him back to where his career began |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-renaissance-season-leads-back-cleveland-article-1.3544080 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417054416/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-renaissance-season-leads-back-cleveland-article-1.3544080 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=New York Daily News}} transitioning successfully from being a pitcher who relied on power and velocity to one who relied on command and pinpoint control.{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Jon |date=October 3, 2018 |title=Yankees Magazine: The Take And The Give |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/looking-back-on-cc-sabathia-s-career-c296957024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516170139/https://www.mlb.com/news/looking-back-on-cc-sabathia-s-career-c296957024 |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |language=en}} On June 13, Sabathia injured his left hamstring; he was placed on the disabled list two days later.{{cite web |last1=Simon |first1=Alex |date=June 15, 2017 |title=Yanks place CC Sabathia (hamstring) on DL |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-cc-sabathia-placed-on-disabled-list-c236724646 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806140813/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/236724646/yankees-cc-sabathia-placed-on-disabled-list/?topicId=27118122 |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |access-date=June 15, 2017 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} He returned on July 4, starting against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Randy |date=July 4, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia flops in return, Yankees dumped by Blue Jays {{!}} Rapid reaction |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2017/07/yankees_vs_blue_jays_rapid_reaction_4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806103441/http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2017/07/yankees_vs_blue_jays_rapid_reaction_4.html |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |work=NJ.com |language=en-US}} On August 1, Sabathia made his 500th career start in a losing effort against the Detroit Tigers.{{cite web |last=Kramer |first=Ari |date=August 2, 2017 |title=Sabathia makes 500th career start |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-s-500th-career-start-far-from-a-memorable-one-1.13905083 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806101655/http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-s-500th-career-start-far-from-a-memorable-one-1.13905083 |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |access-date=August 5, 2017 |work=Newsday}} On August 8, he was taken out of a game after the third inning after experiencing pain in his surgically repaired right knee;{{cite web |last1=Hoch |first1=Bryan |last2=Chisholm |first2=Gregor |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Donaldson's 2 HRs lead Blue Jays over Yanks |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/josh-donaldson-hits-2-homers-in-blue-jays-win-c247176664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809092155/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/247176664/josh-donaldson-hits-2-homers-in-blue-jays-win/?game_pk=491785 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}{{cite web |date=August 9, 2017 |title=MRI shows no new CC Sabathia knee damage; status for Sunday unclear |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20296180/mri-shows-no-new-knee-damage-new-york-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811041642/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20296180/mri-shows-no-new-knee-damage-new-york-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} he later landed on the 10-day disabled list.{{cite web |date=August 13, 2018 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia hits 10-day DL with right knee inflammation |url=https://www.sny.tv/yankees/news/yankees-cc-sabathia-hits-10-day-dl-with-right-knee-inflammation/290169392 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020001626/https://www.sny.tv/yankees/news/yankees-cc-sabathia-hits-10-day-dl-with-right-knee-inflammation/290169392 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=SNY}} After returning from the disabled list on August 19, he went 5–0 over his last eight starts as he helped the Yankees clinch a wild card spot. Sabathia finished the 2017 season 14–5 with a 3.69 ERA, 120 strikeouts and a 1.27 WHIP in {{frac|148|2|3|}} innings (27 starts).
In the 2017 playoffs, Sabathia started Games 2 and 5 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. In Game 2, he gave up two earned runs in {{frac|5|1|3|}} innings of a Yankees loss. In Game 5, he struck out nine in {{frac|4|1|3|}} innings, and the Yankees won, advancing to the ALCS for the first time since 2012.{{cite web |last=Clair |first=Michael |date=October 6, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia was back in Cleveland for Game 2 and his slider was on point |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/cc-sabathia-s-postseason-return-to-cleveland-c257696884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227061918/http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/10/06/257696884/cc-sabathias-postseason-return-to-cleveland |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=MLB.com |publisher=Cut4 |language=en-US}}{{cite web |last=Ghiroli |first=Brittany |date=October 11, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia exits in 5th inning of ALDS Game 5 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-exits-in-5th-inning-of-alds-game-5/c-258287472 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227061913/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-exits-in-5th-inning-of-alds-game-5/c-258287472 |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=MLB.com |language=en-US}} Sabathia started Game 3 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros, earning the win after throwing six shutout innings and allowing only three hits.{{Cite news |last=Herrmann |first=Mark |date=October 17, 2017 |title=Sabathia again at his best after a Yankees loss |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-at-his-best-after-a-yankees-loss-this-time-in-alcs-1.14505895 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227061913/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-at-his-best-after-a-yankees-loss-this-time-in-alcs-1.14505895 |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |work=Newsday |language=en}} Sabathia also started Game 7 of the ALCS; he took the loss as the Astros defeated the Yankees, 4–0, to win the series in seven games.{{cite web |date=October 22, 2017 |title=Astros beat Yankees 4-0 in Game 7, reach World Series |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=371021118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012059/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=371021118 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} The Astros went on to win the 2017 World Series.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Jill |date=November 2, 2017 |title=World Series 2017: Houston Astros win first title |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/01/sport/world-series-game-7/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507102024/https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/01/sport/world-series-game-7/index.html |archive-date=May 7, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=CNN}}
File:CC Sabathia 2018 (cropped).jpg
On December 26, 2017, Sabathia re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year contract for $10 million for the 2018 season.{{cite web |date=December 26, 2017 |title=CC Sabathia's $10M deal finalized by Yanks; payroll up to $178M |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21886394/cc-sabathia-10-million-deal-finalized-new-york-yankees |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227075330/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21886394/cc-sabathia-10-million-deal-finalized-new-york-yankees |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} On June 12, 2018, Sabathia recorded his 1,500th strikeout as a Yankee in a 3–0 win over the Washington Nationals, joining Andy Pettitte, Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry and Red Ruffing on the list of pitchers with 1,500 strikeouts as Yankees.{{cite web |last=Rieber |first=Anthony |date=June 12, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia has become the Yankees stopper |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-yankees-1.19166773 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417234617/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-yankees-1.19166773 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=April 17, 2021 |work=Newsday}} On August 13, Sabathia went back on the disabled list due to right knee inflammation.{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Mandy |date=August 13, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia to DL with right knee inflammation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-to-dl-george-kontos-joins-yanks/c-290172652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814001146/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-to-dl-george-kontos-joins-yanks/c-290172652 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia was ejected on September 27, 2018, for intentionally hitting Rays catcher Jesús Sucre with a pitch; the Rays' Andrew Kittredge had previously thrown at Yankee Austin Romine's head in retaliation for Sabathia having hit the Rays' Jake Bauers on the arm earlier in the game.{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=September 27, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia ejected for HBP, two innings shy of $500,000 bonus. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-ejected-after-hbp-vs-rays/c-296297974 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928002019/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-ejected-after-hbp-vs-rays/c-296297974 |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia received a five-game suspension for throwing at Sucre, to be served in 2019.{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=September 29, 2018 |title=MLB announces discipline for CC, Kittredge |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-discipline-for-yankees-rays/c-296546932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929222456/https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-discipline-for-yankees-rays/c-296546932 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2018 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} He finished the season with a 9–7 record and a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts.{{cite web |last=Caldera |first=Pete |date=November 6, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia returning to New York Yankees on one-year deal |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2018/11/06/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-agree-one-year-contract-per-reports/1909471002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109121118/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2018/11/06/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-agree-one-year-contract-per-reports/1909471002/ |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=North Jersey Media Group}}
The Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 American League Wild Card Game to advance to the 2018 American League Division Series against the rival Boston Red Sox.{{cite news |last1=Witz |first1=Billy |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Yankees Blast Away Nerves, and the A's, for a Wild-Card Win |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/sports/yankees-mlb-playoffs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109072639/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/sports/yankees-mlb-playoffs.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=The New York Times}} Sabathia started Game 4 of the ALDS and took the loss, giving up three runs in three innings. The Red Sox won the game, 4–3, to defeat the Yankees three games to one.{{cite web |last=Ehalt |first=Matt |date=October 9, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia suffers loss in what could be final start with Yankees |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2018/10/09/cc-sabathia-suffers-loss-what-could-final-start-yankees/1584393002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203235708/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2018/10/09/cc-sabathia-suffers-loss-what-could-final-start-yankees/1584393002/ |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=North Jersey Media Group}} The Red Sox went on to win the 2018 World Series.{{cite web |author=Berg |first=Ted |date=October 28, 2018 |title=World Series: Red Sox beat Dodgers to win fourth title in 15 years |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/28/red-sox-win-world-series-championship-beat-dodgers/1803801002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110030846/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/28/red-sox-win-world-series-championship-beat-dodgers/1803801002/ |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=USA Today}}
On November 7, 2018, Sabathia re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year contract for $8 million.{{cite web |last1=Hoch |first1=Bryan |date=November 6, 2018 |title=Yankees sign CC to one-year deal |url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-to-return-to-yankees-in-2019/c-300347374 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108065426/https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-to-return-to-yankees-in-2019/c-300347374 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |website=New York Yankees |publisher=MLB.com}} Sabathia was cleared to begin working out in January 2019 following a December 2018 procedure to insert a stent into his heart.{{cite web |date=January 8, 2019 |title=New York Yankees' CC Sabathia cleared baseball activities after stent blocked artery |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25715662/new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-cleared-baseball-activities-stent-blocked-artery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429045511/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25715662/new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-cleared-baseball-activities-stent-blocked-artery |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} On February 16, 2019, he announced that 2019 would be his final season.{{cite news |date=February 17, 2019 |title=MLB notebook: Sabathia retiring after 2019 season |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCAKCN1Q600V-OCASP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217201019/https://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCAKCN1Q600V-OCASP |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |newspaper=Reuters}}{{cite web |date=February 17, 2019 |title=MLB notebook: Sabathia retiring after 2019 season |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-notebook-sabathia-retiring-2019-season-020330273--mlb.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142811/https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-notebook-sabathia-retiring-2019-season-020330273--mlb.html |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=Yahoo! Sports |agency=Reuters}}{{cite web |author=Zencka |first=TC |date=February 16, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia Officially Announces Retirement After 2019 Season |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/02/cc-sabathia-officially-announces-2019-to-be-his-last.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524203923/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/02/cc-sabathia-officially-announces-2019-to-be-his-last.html |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}
== 2019: Final season ==
Sabathia began the 2019 season on the 10-day injured list as he continued to recover from heart surgery.{{cite web |last=Boland |first=Erik |date=March 7, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia OK with starting season on injured list for Yankees |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-injured-list-1.28191520 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727190410/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cc-sabathia-injured-list-1.28191520 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=Newsday}} He made his first start of the season on April 13, pitching five innings of one-hit baseball in a 4–0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web |last=Caldera |first=Pete |date=April 13, 2019 |title=New York Yankees losing streak over: CC Sabathia did everything right |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2019/04/13/new-york-yankees-losing-streak-over-cc-sabathia-did-everything-right/3442165002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928030608/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2019/04/13/new-york-yankees-losing-streak-over-cc-sabathia-did-everything-right/3442165002/ |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=North Jersey Media Group}} On April 30, 2019, he recorded his 3,000th strikeout against John Ryan Murphy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming only the third left-handed pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=May 1, 2019 |title=CC reaches one of MLB's most iconic milestones |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-records-3-000th-strikeout |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |language=en}} Sabathia was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 23 due to right knee inflammation. He received a cortisone shot to treat the pain, and was informed that he would need knee replacement surgery after his baseball career ended.{{cite web |last1=Ackert |first1=Kristie |date=June 1, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia's knee will just have to get him through the rest of this season |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-sports-cc-sabathia-knee-replacement-dallas-keuchel-rumors-20190601-gw2dew5a6vfg5k7yd2x5ngwshm-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821024942/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-sports-cc-sabathia-knee-replacement-dallas-keuchel-rumors-20190601-gw2dew5a6vfg5k7yd2x5ngwshm-story.html |archive-date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=New York Daily News}} On June 19, he recorded his 250th career win in a 12–1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Sabathia pitched six innings, struck out seven, and surrendered one run.{{Cite web |last=Newport |first=Kyle |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Yankees News: CC Sabathia Becomes 14th Pitcher to Get 250 Wins and 3K Strikeouts |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841876-yankees-news-cc-sabathia-becomes-14th-pitcher-to-get-250-wins-and-3k-strikeouts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619232205/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841876-yankees-news-cc-sabathia-becomes-14th-pitcher-to-get-250-wins-and-3k-strikeouts |archive-date=June 19, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} Sabathia accepted an invitation to appear in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland to throw the ceremonial first pitch; during the game, he made a mound visit to Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.{{Cite web |last=Davidoff |first=Ken |date=July 9, 2019 |title=Why Yankees' CC Sabathia accepted late All-Star Game invite |url=https://nypost.com/2019/07/09/why-yankees-cc-sabathia-accepted-late-all-star-game-invite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719222520/https://nypost.com/2019/07/09/why-yankees-cc-sabathia-accepted-late-all-star-game-invite/ |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |access-date=July 19, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}} On July 28, Sabathia again went on the 10-day injured list due to the same knee injury.{{cite web |date=July 28, 2019 |title=Sabathia put on IL again by Yankees with knee inflammation |url=https://fox61.com/2019/07/28/sabathia-put-on-il-again-by-yankees-with-knee-inflammation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020001902/https://fox61.com/2019/07/28/sabathia-put-on-il-again-by-yankees-with-knee-inflammation/ |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=WTIC-TV |agency=Associated Press}} On August 31, Sabathia was placed on the 10-day injured list for the third time in 2019.{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=Greg |date=August 31, 2019 |title=Yankees send CC Sabathia to IL with future in doubt |url=https://nypost.com/2019/08/31/yankees-send-cc-sabathia-to-il-with-future-in-doubt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020002043/https://nypost.com/2019/08/31/yankees-send-cc-sabathia-to-il-with-future-in-doubt/ |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=New York Post}} On September 18, he made his last Yankee Stadium regular-season pitching appearance, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alex |date=September 18, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia reflects on his 'emotional' final regular season start at Yankee Stadium |url=https://www.sny.tv/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-reflects-on-his-emotional-final-regular-season-start-at-yankee-stadium/310812874/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920214459/https://www.sny.tv/yankees/news/cc-sabathia-reflects-on-his-emotional-final-regular-season-start-at-yankee-stadium/310812874 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=October 4, 2019 |website=SNY}} He finished the season with a 5–8 record and a 4.95 ERA in 23 games (22 starts).
Sabathia was not named to the Yankees' 25-man roster for the 2019 American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=October 3, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia not on Yankees' ALDS roster vs. Twins |url=https://nypost.com/2019/10/03/cc-sabathia-not-on-yankees-alds-roster-vs-twins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004055709/https://nypost.com/2019/10/03/cc-sabathia-not-on-yankees-alds-roster-vs-twins/ |archive-date=October 4, 2019 |access-date=October 4, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}} However, he was later activated on the Yankees' roster for the 2019 American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, as a reliever.{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Marly |date=October 12, 2019 |title=Yankees include Aaron Hicks, CC Sabathia on ALCS roster |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27828219/yankees-include-aaron-hicks-cc-sabathia-alcs-roster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013214337/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27828219/yankees-include-aaron-hicks-cc-sabathia-alcs-roster |archive-date=October 13, 2019 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |website=ESPN |language=en}} Sabathia pitched in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. He threw 20 pitches, retired two batters with a line-out, hit batsman, and flyout, but after taking George Springer to a 2-1 count, he could not finish the inning due to discomfort and, after a warm-up pitch, walked off the mound.{{Cite web |title=2019 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 4, Houston Astros vs New York Yankees: October 17, 2019 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA201910170.shtml |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} The Yankees removed Sabathia from their roster the next day with a subluxated left shoulder, and replaced him with Ben Heller.{{cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=October 18, 2019 |title=CC Sabathia's 19-season MLB career ends with ALCS shoulder injury: 'I threw until I couldn't anymore' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cc-sabathias-19-season-mlb-career-ends-with-alcs-shoulder-injury-i-threw-until-i-couldnt-anymore/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020010132/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cc-sabathias-19-season-mlb-career-ends-with-alcs-shoulder-injury-i-threw-until-i-couldnt-anymore/ |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |work=CBS Sports}} This move rendered Sabathia ineligible to pitch in the World Series had the Yankees advanced.{{cite news |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=October 18, 2019 |title=CC taken off Yanks roster, ending storied career |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-likely-final-career-appearance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018175403/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-likely-final-career-appearance |archive-date=October 18, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia told the media that his exit from the game in his announced final season was "kind of fitting. I threw until I couldn't anymore."
On October 21, 2019, Sabathia officially announced his retirement from baseball with the following Twitter message:
"It all started in Vallejo, CA, in my grandma's backyard throwing grapefruits at a folding chair. I could have never imagined how much this game has meant to me since. Through the ups and downs, baseball has always been my home. From Cleveland, to Milwaukee, New York, and everywhere in between, I'm so thankful to have experienced this journey with every teammate past and present. All I ever wanted was to be a great teammate and win. I'm so proud of this year's team, we fought 'til the end. Love you guys! I'm going to miss going out there on the mound and competing, but it's time to say farewell. Thank you, Baseball."{{cite news |last=Dorsey |first=Russell |date=October 21, 2019 |title=CC says farewell to baseball with heartfelt note |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-announces-retirement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029055946/https://www.mlb.com/news/cc-sabathia-announces-retirement |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=October 21, 2019 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Sabathia finished his eleven-year tenure with the Yankees with a 134–88 record (a .604 winning percentage) in 307 games (306 starts), a 3.81 ERA and 1.272 WHIP, and 1,700 strikeouts in 1,918 innings pitched.
Post-playing career
On April 6, 2022, Sabathia was hired by Major League Baseball to serve as a special assistant to commissioner Rob Manfred.{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2022 |title=C.C. Sabathia hired as special assistant to Major League Baseball |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/cc-sabathia-hired-as-special-assistant-to-major-league-baseball |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114225231/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2022/04/06/cc-sabathia-hired-as-special-assistant-to-major-league-baseball/amp/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en}}
Awards and highlights
- 6× All-Star selection (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010–2012){{cite web |last=Tylt |first=The |date=February 18, 2019 |title=Is Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia a first-ballot Hall of Famer? |url=https://www.nj.com/tylt/2019/02/is-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-a-first-ballot-hall-of-famer.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417061914/https://www.nj.com/tylt/2019/02/is-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-a-first-ballot-hall-of-famer.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=NJ.com}}
- World Series champion ({{wsy|2009}})
- ALCS MVP (2009)
- AL Cy Young Award (2007)
- 3x Warren Spahn Award recipient (2007–2009){{cite web |date=December 8, 2009 |title=New York Yankees' CC Sabathia wins Warren Spahn Award |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4725418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129034714/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4725418 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}
- 2× MLB wins leader (2009, 2010)
- 2× AL shutouts leader (2006, 2008)
- NL shutouts leader (2008)
- 3,000 strikeout club
Player profile
File:CC Sabathia pitching against Rays 9-8-16 (2).jpeg
In August 2017, Sabathia became the all-time American League leader in strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher.{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |date=August 19, 2017 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia AL lefty strikeout leader |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-cc-sabathia-al-lefty-strikeout-leader-c249451336 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417062503/https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-cc-sabathia-al-lefty-strikeout-leader-c249451336 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} At the time of his retirement following the 2019 season, he led all active Major League players in career wins, career innings pitched and career strikeouts.{{cite web |date=February 17, 2019 |title=MLB notebook: Sabathia retiring after 2019 season |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-notebook-sabathia-retiring-2019-season-020330148--mlb.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417062459/https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-notebook-sabathia-retiring-2019-season-020330148--mlb.html |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Yahoo! Sports |agency=Reuters}} During his peak from 2005 to 2012, Sabathia was the winningest pitcher in major league baseball.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2012 » Pitchers » Dashboard |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2005&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2005-01-01&enddate=2012-12-31&sortcol=2&sortdir=default&pagenum=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419015300/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2005&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2005-01-01&enddate=2012-12-31&sort=3,d |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |website=FanGraphs}} He posted a cumulative record of 137–67 (.672) with a 3.24 ERA (including five straight seasons of 17+ wins from 2007 to 2011), threw {{frac|1,788|1|3}} innings and struck out 1,614 batters (averaging more than 220 innings pitched and 200 strikeouts per season), started 257 games and posted 173 quality starts, finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting five times, received four All Star berths, and recorded a 3.26 FIP, 135 ERA+, 40.8 bWAR, and 43.6 fWAR. Sabathia was one of the most dominant pitchers in the vicennial (twenty year) period of 2000 to 2020; posting more wins, games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts than any other major league pitcher during that time period.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2020 » Pitchers » Dashboard |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2020&month=0&season1=2000&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2000-01-01&enddate=2020-12-31&sort=3,d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419015306/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2020&month=0&season1=2000&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2000-01-01&enddate=2020-12-31&sort=3,d |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=FanGraphs}}{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2020 » Pitchers » Standard Statistics |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2020&month=0&season1=2000&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2000-01-01&enddate=2020-12-31&sort=24,d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419015301/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2020&month=0&season1=2000&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2000-01-01&enddate=2020-12-31&sort=24,d |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=FanGraphs}}
Although he pitched and batted left-handed, Sabathia is actually right-handed.{{cite web |author=Brennan |first=Sean |last2=McCarron |first2=Anthony |last3=Feinsand |first3=Mark |date=August 12, 2011 |title=New York Yankees lefthanded throwing ace CC Sabathia says his dominant hand is actually his right |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/new-york-yankees-lefthanded-throwing-ace-cc-sabathia-dominant-hand-article-1.950412 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001134715/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/new-york-yankees-lefthanded-throwing-ace-cc-sabathia-dominant-hand-article-1.950412 |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2011 |work=New York Daily News}} He said that he started throwing a ball with his left hand at the age of two with the help and advice of his father.{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2011 |title=For NY Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, the right choice was going left |url=https://yourkillinmesmalls.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/for-ny-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-the-right-choice-was-going-left/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331070441/https://yourkillinmesmalls.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/for-ny-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia-the-right-choice-was-going-left/ |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=You're Killin' Me, Smalls}}
As a hitter, Sabathia acquired 25 hits in 121 at-bats (127 plate appearances) for a .207 batting average.{{cite web |title=CC Sabathia » Statistics » Batting – FanGraphs Baseball |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=404&position=PB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924054602/http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=404&position=PB |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=FanGraphs}} On June 21, 2008, Sabathia hit a 440-foot home run off of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park.{{cite web |date=June 21, 2008 |title=Sabathia's long solo homer |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/sabathia-s-long-solo-homer-c2976155 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=MLB.com}} On July 13, 2008, in his second game with the Brewers, Sabathia hit his second home run of the season off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey, becoming the third pitcher in history to homer in both leagues in the same season and the first since Earl Wilson did it in 1970 with Detroit and San Diego.{{cite web |last=Witrado |first=Anthony |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Sizzle and Pop |url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=772030 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717232931/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=772030 |archive-date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=July 13, 2008 |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}
Sabathia's reputation of pitching a high number of effective innings each season led to sports broadcasters often referring to him as a workhorse; discounting his injury-shortened 2014 campaign Sabathia averaged over 200 innings a season in his career (he reached the benchmark eight times, including seven consecutive seasons of at least 200 innings pitched from 2007 to 2013).{{cite web |date=February 21, 2010 |title=Yankees' CC Sabathia plans to remain a workhorse |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/yankees-cc-sabathia-plans-to-remain-a-workhorse/1074779 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405004825/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/yankees-cc-sabathia-plans-to-remain-a-workhorse/1074779 |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=June 8, 2011 |website=St. Petersburg Times}}
Personal life
File:Sabathias (48266215421).jpg
Sabathia and his wife, Amber, have four children: a son Carsten Charles III (born 2003), a daughter Jaeden Arie (born 2005), a daughter, Cyia (born 2008), and a son Carter (born 2010). The family lived in Fairfield, California outside his hometown of Vallejo near San Francisco until he signed with the Yankees. Then the family moved to Alpine, New Jersey.{{cite news |last=Karni |first=Annie |last2=Cohen |first2=Stefanie |date=August 16, 2009 |title=Secrets of the Yank Wives Club |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/08162009/news/regionalnews/secrets_of_the_yank_wives_club_184876.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818170653/http://www.nypost.com/seven/08162009/news/regionalnews/secrets_of_the_yank_wives_club_184876.htm |archive-date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |work=New York Post}} Nevertheless, Sabathia remains connected to his hometown. In January 2012, Vallejo High School honored Sabathia by declaring "CC Sabathia Day" and renaming the school's baseball field in his honor; Sabathia's PitCCh In Foundation had helped to renovate the field.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=January 28, 2012 |title=Vallejo baseball field renamed for Yankees pitcher, native son |url=https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2012/01/28/vallejo-baseball-field-renamed-for-yankees-pitcher-native-son/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417060916/https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2012/01/28/vallejo-baseball-field-renamed-for-yankees-pitcher-native-son/ |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Vallejo Times Herald}} The PitCCh In Foundation is a charity that supports inner city children. In 2014, the foundation supported a team of runners in the 2014 New York City Marathon.{{cite web |last=Coffey |first=Wayne |date=October 27, 2014 |title=CC Sabathia's wife Amber gears up for NYC Marathon |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/cc-sabathia-wife-amber-gears-nyc-marathon-blog-entry-1.1989145 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416204419/https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/cc-sabathia-wife-amber-gears-nyc-marathon-blog-entry-1.1989145 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2018 |website=New York Daily News}}
On October 5, 2015, Sabathia announced that he was checking himself into Silver Hill Hospital,{{Cite web |last=King III |first=George A. |date=November 6, 2015 |title=CC Sabathia bares soul on his 3-year spiral of alcoholism |url=https://nypost.com/2015/11/06/cc-sabathia-bares-soul-on-his-3-year-spiral-of-alcoholism/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624124415/https://nypost.com/2015/11/06/cc-sabathia-bares-soul-on-his-3-year-spiral-of-alcoholism/ |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2023 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} an alcohol treatment center.{{Cite web |last=Marchand |first=Andrew |date=October 5, 2015 |title=CC Sabathia of New York Yankees checking into alcohol rehabilitation center |url=https://www.espn.com/newyork/mlb/story/_/id/13815560/cc-sabathia-newyork-yankees-checking-alcohol-rehabilitation-center |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007223102/http://espn.go.com/newyork/mlb/story/_/id/13815560/cc-sabathia-newyork-yankees-checking-alcohol-rehabilitation-center |archive-date=October 7, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} During the previous weekend, Sabathia had been binge drinking in the hotel while the Yankees were on the road in Baltimore; he had also been drinking in the clubhouse after a game that had been cancelled due to rain.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Emily |last2=Fears |first2=Danika |last3=Rosario |first3=Frank |date=October 6, 2015 |title=The weekend-long bender behind CC Sabathia's rehab stay |url=https://nypost.com/2015/10/06/the-weekend-long-bender-behind-cc-sabathias-rehab-stay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007000228/http://nypost.com/2015/10/06/the-weekend-long-bender-behind-cc-sabathias-rehab-stay/ |archive-date=October 7, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=New York Post}}{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Wallace |date=October 6, 2015 |title=Subtle warning signs seen in Baltimore for New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13822358/subtle-warning-signs-seen-baltimore-new-york-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007114457/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/13822358/subtle-warning-signs-seen-baltimore-new-york-yankees-pitcher-cc-sabathia |archive-date=October 7, 2015 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=ESPN}} "'I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers,' said Sabathia in a statement, 'and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series. It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player.'"{{cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=November 5, 2015 |title=CC Sabathia on alcohol rehab: 'There was no other option for me' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cc-sabathia-on-alcohol-rehab-there-was-no-other-option-for-me/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213123813/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cc-sabathia-on-alcohol-rehab-there-was-no-other-option-for-me/ |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}} In March 2016, Sabathia opened up about his battle with alcoholism in an essay for The Players' Tribune.{{cite web |last=Sabathia |first=CC |date=March 8, 2016 |title=My Toughest Out |url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/cc-sabathia-yankees-alcohol-addiction-recovery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101103300/https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/cc-sabathia-yankees-alcohol-addiction-recovery |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=March 24, 2019 |website=The Players' Tribune}}{{cite web |author= |date=March 7, 2016 |title=CC Sabathia opens up about alcoholism battle in powerful essay |url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-alcoholism-battle-essay-030716 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429044535/https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-new-york-yankees-cc-sabathia-alcoholism-battle-essay-030716 |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |work=Fox Sports}}
In July 2017, Sabathia started the R2C2 podcast with co-host Ryan Ruocco as part of The Players' Tribune.{{Cite web |title=The Players' Tribune: R2C2 Episodes |url=https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-players-tribune-r2c2-541013/episodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709220348/https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-players-tribune-r2c2-541013/episodes |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=July 9, 2019 |website=Podchaser |language=en}} In May 2018, the podcast moved to the UNINTERRUPTED podcast network.{{Cite web |title=R2C2 is UNINTERRUPTED Episodes |url=https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/r2c2-is-uninterrupted-677557/episodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709220348/https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/r2c2-is-uninterrupted-677557/episodes |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=July 9, 2019 |website=Podchaser |language=en}}
In December 2018, after developing shortness of breath and other symptoms, Sabathia underwent a cardiac catheterization and was found to have a blockage of a coronary artery. A stent was placed to open the blockage.{{cite web |date=December 21, 2018 |title=CC Sabathia of New York Yankees had heart surgery, to be ready for spring training |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25589198/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-had-heart-surgery-ready-spring-training |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429045505/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25589198/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-had-heart-surgery-ready-spring-training |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |work=ESPN}} After his heart scare, Sabathia undertook a major exercise and diet program, losing {{convert|60|lbs}} from his peak weight.{{cn|date=January 2025}}
In 2021, Sabathia's original team, the Cleveland Indians, dedicated a Cleveland baseball field in his honor, named "CC Sabathia Field at Luke Easter Park" (Easter himself also being a former Indian).{{Cite web |last=Axelrod |first=Ben |date=August 20, 2021 |title=Cleveland Indians dedicate Luke Easter Park Field to CC Sabathia |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/mlb/indians/cleveland-indians-dedicate-luke-easter-park-cc-sabathia/95-439b213c-8b54-4e63-8e3b-6e7952ec413b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032606/https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/mlb/indians/cleveland-indians-dedicate-luke-easter-park-cc-sabathia/95-439b213c-8b54-4e63-8e3b-6e7952ec413b |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |website=WKYC}}
See also
{{Portal|Baseball|Biography|San Francisco Bay Area}}
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- Black Aces, African-American pitchers with a 20-win MLB season
- Cleveland Guardians award winners and league leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders
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References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=282332|espn=4553|br=s/sabatc.01|fangraphs=404|brm=sabath001car|retro=S/Psabac001}}
- {{bbhof|sabathia-cc}}
- {{Official website|http://ccsabathia52.com/}}
- [http://www.pitcch.org PitCCh In Foundation]
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