October is here, and the 2019 MLB regular season has reached its conclusion. Divisional rivalries and MVP races are making for a thrilling finish. The Mets, Cubs, and Brewers fought for a playoff spot, and Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman attempted to win their first MVP awards. Though the Major Leagues are witnessing some historic feats, nothing may be more significant right now than the nearing retirement of Cy Young award winner, World Series champion, and Hall of Fame worthy pitcher, CC Sabathia.
For over eighteen years, the left-hander has established himself as an all-time great, pitching with an overall 3.74 ERA, getting 251 wins, and striking out 3,091 batters. He debuted in 2001 with the Cleveland Indians, and has also played for the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Yankees, his current team. In 2007, he won the Cy Young award for the best pitcher in the American League and in 2009, along with other greats Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, helped the Yankees win the World Series.
Sabathia didn’t just have an enormous impact on the field. He had an impact off the field as his presence lifted the team through their highs and their lows. Especially in his older years, he has been an important leader and mentor for his teammates. He reflected on his role in an interview, stating, “It feels good to be able to be in that [mentoring] role now. It’s something that as a young player I definitely noticed the guys that helped me, and you want to be that guy to help another player, for sure.”
Sabathia made his likely last start in the Major Leagues on September 18 and exited during the 3rd inning to a standing ovation. A postgame ceremony was held at Yankee Stadium on the 22nd to honor him, while his family was there to read tributes to him in an emotional moment.
Sabathia will likely not make another start, but may be used as a reliever during the postseason. Regardless of what happens, without Sabathia, the Yankees wouldn’t have reached 102 wins this year or been the team that they have been for the past seasons, and the same goes for the Brewers and the Indians. As Sabathia nears retirement and also in the future, he will always be remembered as an extraordinary pitcher, teammate, and companion.