COOPERSTOWN, NY — April 10, 2025

Baseball fans everywhere are celebrating as Carsten Charles “CC” Sabathia has officially been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, five years after his retirement. One of the most dominant and durable pitchers of his generation, Sabathia now takes his rightful place among the legends of the game.

“This is the greatest honor of my life,” Sabathia said in an emotional statement. “From Vallejo, California to Cooperstown — what a journey it’s been.”

A Legacy Written in Power and Perseverance

Sabathia’s Hall of Fame induction caps off a remarkable 19-season career, marked by both incredible individual milestones and unforgettable team success.

• 3,093 career strikeouts — making him one of just 18 pitchers in MLB history to surpass 3,000

• 2009 World Series champion with the New York Yankees

• 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner with the Cleveland Indians

• 6× All-Star, known for his consistency and leadership

• 251 career wins over nearly two decades

His overpowering fastball, fiery competitiveness, and incredible workhorse durability made him a fan favorite in both Cleveland and New York — and a nightmare for hitters across the league.

A Turning Point for the Yankees

Sabathia signed with the Yankees ahead of the 2009 season and immediately made his presence felt, anchoring the rotation and helping lead the team to a World Series title that same year. He became a clubhouse leader in the Bronx, mentoring young arms while continuing to rack up wins and strikeouts well into his 30s.

“CC changed the culture of our pitching staff,” said Yankees legend Derek Jeter. “He wasn’t just a great pitcher — he was the heartbeat of the team.”

Off the Field: Impact Beyond Baseball

Beyond his on-field dominance, Sabathia has also been widely praised for his honesty, resilience, and openness about his struggles with alcoholism — and his inspiring path to sobriety. His PitCCh In Foundation, launched with his wife Amber, has supported countless underserved communities through education and youth programs.

What’s Next?

Sabathia is expected to deliver a heartfelt induction speech this summer in Cooperstown, where fans from both New York and Cleveland will no doubt show up in force to celebrate the big lefty.

As his plaque is prepared and his name is forever enshrined, baseball officially honors a man who brought fire to the mound, passion to the game, and heart to every city he played for.

Congratulations, CC. You’ve earned your place among the immortals.