CC Sabathia makes important Hall of Fame decision

Former All-Star pitcher CC Sabathia is on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time this season. He has no doubt about the team he wants to represent if elected.

Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reported that Sabathia “absolutely” intended to represent the New York Yankees. The left-hander spent 11 of his 19 seasons in the major leagues in pinstripes, making the Yankees the logical choice.

Sabathia had a solid career during his 19 years in the majors. A six-time All-Star, he posted a record of 251–161 with a 3.74 ERA and 1.259 WHIP in 3,577.1 innings, striking out 3,093 batters – 18th in league history major. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2007 and finished sixth in the 2008 NL MVP race despite making just 17 appearances after a midseason trade with the Brewers as he carried Milwaukee to the postseason.

Sabathia made an immediate impression with the Yankees in 2009. He signed a seven-year, $161 million contract, the largest contract given to a pitcher at that time. Sabathia led the majors with 19 wins in his first season in New York, helping the Yankees advance to the postseason. He was even better in the postseason, winning the ALCS MVP by allowing just two runs on nine hits and three walks in 16 innings, striking out 12 as the Yankees won both of his appearances.

Sabathia also struggled with the Yankees. He had to reinvent himself as a control pitcher after his fastball abandoned him. Sabathia battled arthritis in his knee and alcohol problems. His drinking problem caused him to miss the 2015 playoffs while he checked himself into a rehabilitation center. His potential Hall of Fame induction is as much a testament to his resilience as his performance.

There’s a good chance Cooperstown will call Sabathia in 2025. He currently has 91.1% of the vote with 43 known ballots according to Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame vote tracking system. When that call comes, he will be immortalized as a member of the New York Yankees.