CC Sabathia's legacy with the New York Yankees is now etched in stone. Since his retirement in 2019, no Yankee has donned the iconic No. 52, and now it's official: that number is retired for good. The Yankees plan to honor Sabathia with a special ceremony in September, following his induction into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame last year.
Sabathia burst onto the major league scene with Cleveland in 2001 and claimed his sole Cy Young Award in 2007, his final full season there. His journey took a pivotal turn when he was traded to the Brewers at the 2008 trade deadline.
His performance was nothing short of legendary, propelling Milwaukee into the playoffs. This led to a blockbuster seven-year, $161 million contract with the Yankees in 2009.
During his 11 seasons in pinstripes, Sabathia was the ace who helped secure the 2009 World Series title. He amassed 134 wins and struck out 1,700 batters over 306 starts. In the postseason, his 97 strikeouts rank fifth in Yankee history, nestled between legends Whitey Ford and Roger Clemens.
While the importance of wins for starting pitchers has evolved, Sabathia's leadership in that category during 2009 and 2010 was crucial for the Yankees. It’s a testament to his enduring impact on the mound.
Now, here's a challenge for you: Can you name the pitchers who have led the American League in wins each season since 2000? Give it a shot!