Source: Fox Sports
Summary
CC Sabathia was honored by the New York Yankees with a plaque in Monument Park and the retirement of his number. The ceremony took place before a doubleheader against Baltimore. Sabathia, a Hall of Fame left-hander, joined Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada as Yankees with retired numbers. He signed a $161 million contract with the Yankees in 2009. Sabathia had a 19-8 record with a 3.37 ERA in his first season with the team. He ranks fourth in franchise history in strikeouts and 10th in wins. Sabathia was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025 with 86.8% of the vote.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Sabathia never thought he’d be honored by the Yankees.
He signed a big contract, won a World Series, and stayed 11 years.
He joined Jeter, Rivera, and others in Monument Park.
The ceremony was surreal, with family and teammates present.
Author: Evan Null
CC Sabathia’s Journey to Monument Park
CC Sabathia’s career with the New York Yankees spanned 11 seasons, during which he became a key part of the team’s success. He was honored with a plaque in Monument Park, a place reserved for the most iconic players in franchise history. Sabathia was the fifth member of the 2009 World Series champion Yankees to have his number retired, joining legends like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. His journey to this moment was unexpected, as he never imagined being recognized in such a way.
The Contract That Changed Everything
In 2009, Sabathia signed a $161 million, seven-year contract with the Yankees, making it the largest deal for a free-agent pitcher at the time. The contract was a major move by general manager Brian Cashman, who convinced Sabathia to join the team after an initial meeting in December 2008. Sabathia’s first season with the Yankees was a success, as he posted a 19-8 record with a 3.37 ERA in 34 starts. He played a key role in the Yankees’ World Series victory that year.
Legacy Beyond the Yankees
Sabathia’s career spanned 19 seasons, including time with Cleveland, Milwaukee, and the Yankees. He finished with a 251-161 record, a 3.74 ERA, and 3,093 strikeouts, ranking third among left-handed pitchers behind Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. In New York, he was 134-88 with a 3.81 ERA and 1,700 strikeouts. His accomplishments placed him among the franchise’s all-time greats, with his name etched into the Yankees’ record books.
The Ceremony and the Memories
The ceremony honoring Sabathia began with video messages from former teammates like Derek Jeter, Paul O’Neill, and Jorge Posada. Sabathia unveiled his plaque alongside his wife, children, friends, and mother. After the ceremony, he waved to fans from a golf cart and was presented with a blue blazer, a framed plaque, and a career ring by general manager Brian Cashman. The event was emotional, with Sabathia describing it as “incredible” and “surreal.”
A Hall of Fame Moment
Sabathia was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025, receiving 86.8% of the vote. He was honored alongside Billy Wagner and Ichiro Suzuki, a former teammate from his time with the Yankees. His Hall of Fame career was a testament to his success on the mound and his impact on the game. The Yankees’ ceremony was a celebration of his legacy, marking him as one of the most respected players in franchise history.
