OOPERSTOWN, NY — Carsten Charles Sabathia took the stage in a crisp gray suit, eyes shining but filled with deep emotion. In front of thousands of fans, the legendary former New York Yankees pitcher flashed a big smile as he held up a plaque bearing his likeness – officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.
!["We wanted to plant roots…That's how we made the best decision we ever made. 11 months later, [Amber] was there in the Bronx as we won the 2009 World Series." - CC Sabathia](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/517609837_1300842144737395_4279797179475687864_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=0iDQc7jDOL0Q7kNvwHtGVU3&_nc_oc=AdlxQ5H8MKVPP2cmKAX6Au-BDhSTa27cplznbdjUqFwC2hzgsS85lTsJ8iAqNPsGE20&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=-YnfUbBH2N0M5tqczgh3bA&oh=00_AfTzC7o-qVScDJiew3qApB0B52XMOswqeTcgIDM5eFA2qw&oe=688DEB63)
Behind the spotlight was a journey of determination, roots and a life-changing choice. “We wanted to plant roots,” Sabathia said. “That’s how we made the best decision we ever made. Eleven months later, [Amber] was in the Bronx when we won the 2009 World Series.”
From California to Bronx glory
Sabathia was a big pitcher, but his will and heart were even bigger. After leaving Cleveland, then Milwaukee, he signed a historic contract with the Yankees in 2008. What made him decide? Family. Roots. Love. He wasn’t looking for the spotlight—he was looking for a place to belong.
Less than a year later, Sabathia led the Yankees to the 2009 World Series—the team’s first title since 2000. Not only did he throw powerful fastballs, but he also instilled confidence and steel in the entire locker room.
The Legacy of a Gentle Giant
In his 11 seasons with the Yankees, CC was more than just an ace—he was the big brother, the team’s carry, the heartbeat of the Bronx Bombers. He had 251 wins, 3,093 strikeouts, six All-Star games, and countless games that left Yankee Stadium breathless.
But more importantly, Sabathia was a bridge between the Derek Jeter–Mariano Rivera Yankees and the Aaron Judge–Gerrit Cole era. He inspired by being true to himself: tenacious, honest, and loving to his family and the city that called him “son.”
Hall of Fame Day: The End and the Beginning
At Cooperstown today, flanked by his wife and children and former teammates like Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, Sabathia did not cry—but his voice was choked up. The plaque in his hand not only bore a name, but a chapter of Yankees history—blood, sweat and love.
“The Bronx will always be home,” he said softly as he left the stage. And in the Bronx, a part of CC’s soul will always live on.