CC Sabathia: A Hall Of Fame Legacy Etched In Stone
CC Sabathia: A Hall Of Fame Legacy Etched In Stone
On September 20, 2019, CC Sabathia took the mound for the final time in his illustrious career. The left-handed ace pitched six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out seven batters and walking just one. It was a fitting end to a remarkable career that spanned 19 seasons and included six All-Star appearances, a Cy Young Award, and a World Series championship.
Sabathia's Hall of Fame credentials are undeniable. He retired with 251 wins, 2,710 strikeouts, and a 3.74 ERA. He is one of just 17 pitchers in MLB history to win at least 250 games and strike out at least 2,500 batters. He is also one of only 10 pitchers to win a Cy Young Award, a World Series championship, and a Triple Crown.
A Dominant Force on the Mound
Sabathia was a dominant force on the mound throughout his career. He led the American League in strikeouts three times and finished in the top five in ERA four times. He was also one of the most durable pitchers in baseball, averaging 200 innings pitched per season from 2007 to 2013.
Sabathia's success was due in large part to his exceptional command of a four-seam fastball and a devastating changeup. His fastball averaged 93 mph and was known for its heavy sink, which made it difficult for hitters to square up. His changeup was one of the best in baseball, as it had late movement and could deceive even the most experienced batters.
A Leader on and Off the Field
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Sabathia was also a respected leader in the clubhouse. He was known for his mentorship of younger players and his willingness to speak up for what he believed in.
Sabathia's leadership was evident in his role as the ace of the New York Yankees from 2009 to 2017. During that time, the Yankees won four AL East titles and one World Series championship. Sabathia was a key part of the team's success, and he was always one of the first players to step up in big moments.
A Hall of Famer in Waiting
There is no doubt that CC Sabathia is a Hall of Famer. He has all the credentials necessary to be enshrined in Cooperstown, and he is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Sabathia's Hall of Fame induction will be a fitting tribute to a remarkable career. He was a dominant force on the mound, a respected leader in the clubhouse, and a role model for young players. He is a credit to the game of baseball, and he deserves his place among the game's greatest legends.
### Additional Accomplishments and Honors
- 6x All-Star
- 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner
- 2009 World Series champion
- 2x AL Triple Crown winner (2007, 2008)
- AL ERA leader (2007)
- AL strikeouts leader (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Roberto Clemente Award winner (2015)
- Inducted into the Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame (2020)
### Career Statistics
| W | L | ERA | SO | IP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 251 | 161 | 3.74 | 2,710 | 3,093.2 |
Source: Baseball-Reference.com