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CC Sabathia held a press conference on Saturday afternoon to formally announce his retirement. The 2019 season will be his 19th in the big leagues, having spent the final 11 with the Yankees. The Bombers, of course, saw it fit to start his farewell campaign with a big announcement. You can watch the entire session here, but these highlights stand out as the most entertaining moments.
Carter getting embarrassed by his dad
“It would sometimes be embarrassing,” Carter Sabathia said of having his dad home.
The youngest Sabathia stole the show, chiming in at multiple points during the conference. “I know that it’ll be two times funnier in the house,” Carter said to his dad, “because you’re funny and mom’s funny.” He takes after his parents, clearly.
LeBron James, Derek Jeter, and others congratulate Sabathia
Ahead of the press conference, the Yankees PR department distributed a series of testimonials from former teammates and other important figures. Consider a sampling of the list, ranked in order of relevance to the Yankees:
- Derek Jeter — teammate on the 2009 World Series squad
- Jorge Posada — ditto
- Jim Thome — teammate, but with Cleveland
- LeBron James — basketball’s biggest star, plus a Cleveland connection is there if you look
- Steve Kerr — coach for the Golden State Warriors, CC’s hometown basketball team
- Fat Joe — is happy to be here
“My guy!” Sabathia said of Fat Joe. He had yet to review the package before stepping on to the dais. “I’m looking forward to seeing it and reading it and hopefully not crying.”
#LegaCCy
Off the field, Sabathia has a reputation for his charitable endeavors. The PitCCh In Foundation quickly comes to mind. Always one to pay it forward, CC will keep that up in 2019. The left-hander will host 52 children from the Boys & Girls Club of America in each road city this season.
“The Boys & Girls Club was a huge part of my life growing up and a major influence on where I am today,” said Sabathia. “So many people at the organization touched my life and I’m excited to have them be a part of my final season. I hope by doing this that my legacy will inspire a new generation of youth to be unstoppable!”
Elsewhere, Sabathia talked about what he wanted his legacy to be.
CC said “....all I ever wanted is for people to remember me as a good teammate...” Mission accomplished.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) February 16, 2019
It’s fair to say he has nothing to worry about in that department.
Amber Sabathia gives the Yankees an important warning
CC finished his press conference by saying he wanted to cap off his career with a parade.
“I’ve never even been to one!” Carter interjected.
“No, you weren’t born yet.” Amber replied. “You were a World Series baby.”
The crowd burst into laugher as she delivered some sage advice: “Guys, just heads up guys!”
The entire press conference served as a reminder of how lucky Yankees fans are to have Sabathia on the staff. He delivered in every way, from his toughness on the mound to his fun away from the field. Enjoy every minute of his final season. You will be glad you did.