Five Moments That Made CC Sabathia A Hall of Fame Yankee

CC Sabathia may have won his Cy Young Award as a member of the then-Cleveland Indians, but he will forever be remembered in his baggy, pinstriped New York Yankees uniform, his navy hat pushed up high on his forehead. As he waits to find out if he will be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame this week, here’s a look back at the memorable moments that make Sabathia a true Yankee.

Sep. 27, 2018, against the Tampa Bay Rays Even with $500,000 riding on him just finishing with 155 innings pitched on the season, Sabathia didn’t hesitate to back up his boys. When Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge threw behind the head of the Yankees’ Austin Romine, Sabathia retaliated and hit Jesus Sucre in the left thigh to open the sixth inning. Just to make sure they knew why, Sabathia pointed into Tampa Bay’s dugout and said, “That’s for you, [expletive]!”

Sabathia knew he’d be ejected. That meant he ended up just two innings shy of hitting an incentive bonus in his contract that would have paid him $500,000. (The Yankees paid him anyway.) 2009 ALCS Sabathia went into his free agency thinking he would come out an Angel. Instead, he was blown away by the Yankees’ seven-year, $161 million offer and ended up eliminating the Angels in the Championship Series. He allowed just two runs in two starts, striking out 12 over 16 innings as he was named the ALCS MVP.

He got the Yankees back to the World Series and helped them win. 2012 ALDS Sabathia threw a strong 8 ⅔ innings to open the series against the Orioles, but what made him special was how he closed it. In the decisive Game 5, with the Yankees back in the Bronx, Sabathia went out and pitched a dominating complete game. He struck out nine in nine innings and allowed just one run.

After knee issues cost him his velocity, he rebuilt himself as a crafty lefthander. This season was his resurgence as a pitcher, and Game 5 of the AL Division Series against his former team was the debut of the “new CC.” He struck out nine in just 4 1/3 innings, out-dueling the 2017 Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to get the Yankees back into the ALCS. 2019 Season Sabathia’s final season was remarkable, even as we watched him struggle with injuries and age. On May 1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sabathia recorded his 3,000th strikeout, becoming only the third left-hander to reach that milestone. That was the high point of the year. Sabathia struggled all season and his career ended with him walking off the field at Yankees Stadium in pain.

 

Related Posts

🔥 EXCLUSIVE HYPE: Kemp’s Bold Backing for Dale Murphy – Is Cooperstown Finally Calling?! The governor’s vocal push, state-level recognition, and viral support are fueling massive buzz for Murphy’s Hall case – 2 MVPs, elite power/defense, and clean character in an era of stars. After falling short before, could this political and fan momentum flip the script for the Braves icon in 2026 voting? What hidden edge might get him over the line? 👇

Gov. Kemp Pushes for Braves Legend Dale Murphy to Join the Hall of Fame Governor Brian Kemp has thrown his weight behind one of Georgia’s most iconic…

⚾ PANIC MODE: Yankees Fans Freak Out Over Giancarlo Stanton’s Chilling Elbow Confession – “Can’t Open a Bag of Chips”! The slugger just admitted his tennis elbow pain is so brutal he struggles with everyday tasks like opening bottles or snacks, yet he’s vowing a full 2026 season… Bronx faithful are losing it, questioning if surgery should’ve happened or if October heroics are all that’s left! Is this the final red flag for the $325M man, or just another chapter in the injury saga? 👇

Yankees Fans React to Troubling Giancarlo Stanton News Giancarlo Stanton, the power-hitting outfielder and designated hitter for the New York Yankees, has been a fixture in the…

hơn🔥 BOMBSHELL: If Cubs Extend PCA… These 4 Faces VANISH! One long-term deal for the star CF and suddenly the outfield math gets brutal – who’s getting traded, non-tendered, or quietly let walk? The names will shock Wrigley Nation. 👇

4 Cubs Who Won’t Be Back if Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets Extended Pete Crow-Armstrong’s future with the Chicago Cubs is becoming increasingly clear. The 23-year-old center fielder, who…

🔥REPORT FAMILY LEGACY CONTINUES: Braves legend Tom Glavine shared an emotional reaction as his son takes the field to continue the family’s baseball legacy with the Atlanta Braves. The generational connection has Braves fans feeling a deep sense of pride as the younger Glavine looks to carve out his own name in Atlanta. The family bond and history are stronger than ever as they embrace the future together 👇👇👇

BRAVES LEGEND TOM GLAVINE REACTS TO SON CONTINUING HIS LEGACY WITH ATLANTA ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 26, 2026: The Atlanta Braves have added a familiar name to…

🔥REPORT BRONX EXPLOSION: The New York Yankees rode a powerhouse first inning to dominate the Atlanta Braves, sealing an exciting victory that has fans buzzing across the league. The early offensive explosion set the tone for the game, as the Yankees showed why they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the MLB. Momentum is building fast in the Bronx as their lineup continues to impress 👇👇👇

EXPLOSIVE FIRST INNING LIFTS YANKEES OVER BRAVES IN SPRING TRAINING SHOWDOWN TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 26: The New York Yankees, loaded with star power and an unwavering…

🚨 GAME CHANGER: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch — The new kickoff time will blow your mind! Fans are stunned by the unexpected shift, making this spring showdown even more exciting. Don’t miss out — mark your calendar NOW! 👇👇👇

GAME CHANGER: Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch Stadium – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time! In one of the most talked‑about Cactus…