Deserving of a better end to his Hall of Fame career. In last night’s ALCS Game 4, New York Yankees veteran pitcher, CC Sabathia partially dislocated his left shoulder joint. He limped off the field with tears welling up in his eyes as fans embraced him with a standing ovation. He has been replaced on the roster by Ben Heller, which makes him ineligible for World Series play.
This is very likely the end of the line for the 39-year old, considering he announced that he will be retiring after this season. He is one of only two players remaining on the Yankees from their 2009 World Series Championship team. Sabathia is a six-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award back in 2007 when he played for the Cleveland Indians. He ended his career with a regular season record of 251-161 with 3,093 total strikeouts.
What comes next?
CC deserved a better ending. Even if his injury isn’t bothering him by the next round, he won’t be able to play for the championship. That is, if the Yankees get that far; the Houston Astros currently lead the series 3-1. It’s incredibly tough to see a future Hall of Famer end his career in this manner. Sabathia fought injuries so often and they continued to plague him in the end. He truly gave it all until his last pitch.
It does not matter how Sabathia’s career ended. That is not what he will be remembered for. His 19 seasons on the mound is what will be remembered. You know you’re a good baseball player and an even better person when your former manager gets emotional about your injury on live TV.
“You were the guy that I always wanted on the mound when we needed a win. And it was a privilege for me to manage you for nine years. I love you, man,” said Joe Girardi, Yankees/Sabathia’s manager from 2009-2017, on MLB Network.
Sabathia is known for being a family man. His body is telling him that it is time to hang up his cleats and go be the best father and husband he can be while he waits for his induction into Cooperstown. Thanks for everything you have done for the game of baseball, CC. We will miss you. Hopefully the Yankees can win one more ring for you.
Born and raised in the Bay Area. My life has revolved around sports- specifically the A’s, Warriors, Sharks, and 49ers since I was a little girl. This May, I received my BA in Sports Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University… Go Aztecs!
