CC Sabathia witnessed numerous ceremonies honoring former players throughout his 11 years with the New York Yankees, never expecting to be celebrated himself. On Friday, before a doubleheader against Baltimore, Sabathia was honored as the 24th player or manager to have his number retired, receiving a plaque in Monument Park.
Joining the ranks of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada, Sabathia became the fifth member of the 2009 World Series-winning Yankees to receive this prestigious recognition. “I never imagined I’d be in Monument Park,” Sabathia said, sharing how he once feared he wouldn’t win over Yankee fans or the city. “Playing here for 11 years and now being honored like this is an incredible feeling. This moment feels bigger than the Hall of Fame because of what was at stake when I came here.”
At 46 years old, Sabathia originally signed a then-record $161 million, seven-year deal before the 2009 season after a convincing meeting with GM Brian Cashman in December 2008. In his debut year with the Yankees, he posted a 19-8 record and a 3.37 ERA over 34 starts. He earned the AL Championship Series MVP after going 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in the six-game series against the Los Angeles Angels and started Games 1 and 4 of the World Series as the Yankees defeated Philadelphia for their 27th championship.
Over a 19-year career spanning Cleveland (2001-08), Milwaukee (2008), and New York (2009-19), Sabathia compiled a 251-161 record, a 3.74 ERA, and 3,093 strikeouts — ranking third among left-handers behind Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. His 11 seasons in New York resulted in a 134-88 record, a 3.81 ERA, and 1,700 strikeouts. He stands fourth in Yankees history in strikeouts, seventh in starts, 10th in wins, and 11th in innings pitched.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2025 with 86.8% of the vote, Sabathia’s ceremony brought back special memories alongside fellow inductees Billy Wagner and former Yankee teammate Ichiro Suzuki. “That ceremony was surreal and incredible,” Sabathia reflected. “I’ve been around many famous teammates like Mo, Derek, and Andy, so attending their ceremonies was common, but having one for me with my family there was very special.”
The Yankees’ ceremony featured video tributes from Jeter, Paul O’Neill, Posada, and Bernie Williams. Sabathia unveiled his plaque alongside his wife Amber, two children, friends, and his mother Margie. Following video highlights, he greeted fans riding a golf cart along the warning track and received a blue blazer, framed plaque, his retired number, and a commemorative ring from GM Brian Cashman—who was booed by the crowd. Afterward, Sabathia threw the ceremonial first pitch to his son Carsten, a minor league first baseman in Milwaukee.
Reported by The Associated Press.
Fan Take: Sabathia’s number retirement ceremony is not only a fitting tribute to one of the Yankees’ most durable and talented pitchers but also a reminder of the impact players can have beyond the stat sheet. This celebration strengthens baseball’s tradition of honoring legacies and inspires future stars to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Source: www.foxsports.com
