The 2019 World Series was finalized last week with the Houston Astros’ exhilarating victory over the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.
Jose Altuve’s walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman solidified Houston’s second pennant in three seasons and another disappointing postseason exit for New York.
The Yankees’ elimination additionally marked the end of an era, as CC Sabathia officially is retired after a spectacular 19-year career. He revealed his intention to make this season his last prior to the start of the 2019 campaign.
Tributes from around the league have poured in, including one from Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kristopher Negrón, who idolized Sabathia growing up in Northern California:
Both being from the 707, you have always been one of my favorite players in the game. You did so much for baseball on and off the field. Truly a #HOF career. Thank you, CC. https://t.co/r3K1dc9p0T
— Kristopher Negrón (@KNegs17) October 21, 2019
Debuting with the Cleveland Indians in 2001, Sabathia spent seven and a half seasons with the organization before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in July 2008.
The left-hander would then go on to sign a lucrative contract with the Yankees the following offseason and remained there for the final 11 seasons of his career.
Over a span of nearly two decades, Sabathia compiled a 251-161 lifetime record with a 3.74 ERA, 3.78 FIP and 1.26 WHIP in 3,577.1 innings pitched. Injuries limited him in 2019, but he still managed to log 107.1 innings during the regular season.
Sabathia was left off the Yankees’ AL Division Series roster against the Minnesota Twins, but returned as a reliever for the ALCS. He did not allow a baserunner in two appearances against the Astros, but exited his final Game 4 outing with shoulder discomfort.
While the Yankees ultimately fell short of winning a World Series championship in his final season, Sabathia can still potentially add one more accolade to his illustrious career. He is one of three finalists in the running for the 2019 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, along with the Miami Marlins’ Curtis Granderson and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim star Mike Trout.
The honor is presented annually by the MLB Players Association to the person who exemplifies inspirational leadership on the field and in the community.
