Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is "thankful" for the journey that led him to professional baseball.
Sabathia, 39, formally announced his retirement Monday morning following his illustrious 19-year playing career. He took to social media to bid a final farewell and how he aspired to be a "great teammate" for each club he represented.
"It all started in Vallejo, California in my grandma's backyard throwing grapefruits at a folding chair," Sabathia said. "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."
"Thank you. It's been an amazing 11 years. I've loved every minute of it here in the Bronx." -@CC_SabathiaWe've loved every minute of it too, CC -- #LegaCCy pic.twitter.com/7e9z0F517q
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 18, 2019Sabathia sustained a shoulder injury during Game 4 of the AL Championship Series. Yankees manager Aaron Boone removed the pitcher from the team's playoff roster, essentially signaling an end to his career.
In February, Sabathia, flanked by his family, revealed that the 2019 season was going to be his final one. Sabathia's statement is one that most fans anticipated to read when the Yankees were eliminated in the ALCS. He has no regrets about his decision.
"Why now? It's time," Sabathia said in a press conference before the season. "My knee, just the shape that it's in. My family is getting older. My kids are getting older. It's time to be with and around them. There's a lot of stuff that I'm missing that I would like to be around (for)."
As he steps into retirement, Sabathia now waits for a possible call from Cooperstown. He put together a strong resume to receive consideration for a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The six-time All Star won the 2009 World Series with the Yankees and joined the 3,000-strikeout club earlier this season. Before his 11-year stint in New York, Sabathia maintained his dominance on the mound, earning his lone Cy Young Award with the Cleveland Indians.
