TAKING THE BALL
Four months removed from going to alcohol rehab, Sabathia is ready for spring training
OCTOBER WAS one of the most challenging months of CC Sabathia’s life, as the Yankees’ star pitcher addressed his alcohol problem with a stint in rehab.
With pitchers and catchers set to report to Tampa on Thursday, the big lefthander is enjoying his final days at home — and itching to get back to the baseball life that he’s lived for nearly two decades. Only he doesn’t need alcohol to live it.
“I’m definitely in a good place,” Sabathia told the Daily News Thursday night. “You’ve never got this thing beat; it’s always there
and I’m always going to be a recovering alcoholic, but I’m in a good place. I’m excited about what’s coming ahead, not only in the season, but personally. I’m ready to go.
“I appreciate it more. This is my 16th year in the big leagues and you can take it for granted. This whole experience has put a new lease on my career and the way I’m viewing it.”
Sabathia was with his wife, Amber, at New York Fashion Week on Thursday, where their four children were walking in the Rookie USA Presents Kids Rock! Fashion Show, which benefited the couple’s PitCCh In Foundation.
The show was one of the final family events before spring training, but Sabathia’s time with his entire family this winter helped him recognize how important his decision to enter rehab had been.
“Everybody was worried about me,” Sabathia said. “To see me go through what I went through and come out on the other side a better person, I think everybody is excited.
“It was fun to get back and to be a part of the family.” When Sabathia sat down with the Daily News in November — only days after leaving rehab — the pitcher believed being with his family would help him continue his recovery. Three months later, it’s evident his prediction proved spot-on.
“For him to go directly into rehab when he did, then into the offseason, it really helped him,” Amber added. “One of the things that really motivated him to go in was the family, so for him to go and
do it, then come out and be with family that still supports him and still loves him the same, life didn’t change. Life still goes on and it definitely has.”
Sabathia has been working out at Yankee Stadium for months, so he’s seen several teammates and other members of the organization. As supportive as their words were when he entered rehab 129 days ago, their encouragement since he returned has helped him keep his focus where it needs to be.
“To have all the support from them and the organization, it’s been fantastic,” Sabathia said. “When I talked to you last, I hadn’t seen everybody yet. I hadn’t been to the field. Getting all that support and love has been a lot of fun.”
Sabathia’s knee feels better than it has in a long time, and he continues to use the brace that helped him pitch so well in September. Although he historically hasn’t started throwing off a mound until he gets to camp, Sabathia began throwing bullpens three weeks ago. He’ll throw one more Friday before taking a few days off in advance of next week’s report date.
“I’ve been working really hard the past three months and I’m ready to go,” Sabathia said. “I’ve been able to do everything I wanted to do as far as my knee and upper body. I’m excited coming into the season.”
Sabathia is also pumped up to see the Yankees’ retooled bullpen in action. The addition of Aroldis Chapman to the duo of Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances means Sabathia and his fellow starters won’t need to pitch into the eighth inning to put the Yankees in position to win. That has always been a goal for the lefty workhorse, but Sabathia smiled when asked if he’ll still need to pitch that deep into ballgames.
“Not with this bullpen,” he said. “I’ll be 36 in July; I’m the old guy now. I’d rather those guys carry me instead of me carrying them for a change.”
Wearing a throwback Michael Jordan jersey and preparing to watch his kids walk in the fashion show, Sabathia’s eyes light up when the word “Florida” is mentioned. Sure, he loves being home, but Tampa offers something this area simply can’t at the moment: warmth.
“I’m ready to get down there — especially now that it’s 15 degrees outside,” Sabathia said. “I’m over the winter. I’m excited to get down there, to see the guys and get the season started.”