And gets lots of love back
“I threw until I couldn’t anymore,” Sabathia said after that game.
Sabathia had announced his plans to retire in November. In his final season, his 19th in the majors, he crossed the 3,000-strikeout and 250win thresholds. His 3,093 strikeouts rank No. 16 all-time, and his 251 wins are in the top 50.
Sabathia might be the last of the Black Aces, the group of African-American pitchers who have won 20 games in a season. His stellar career includes six All-Star games, a Cy Young award (2007), and a World Series championship (2009).
Sabathia got plenty of love on Twitter:
Ex-Yankee and TV analyst Alex Rodriguez called Sabathia “a true warrior” in a tweet. “Throwing until he couldn’t and then trying again. Baseball is life and he showed it right there. #Hero #MyBrother #NothingButRespect.”
Former big league pitcher Dontrelle Willis tweeted, “CC was the first to call me when i won 20 games… nothing but love and respect for a Bay Area hero. I’ll be there for your HOF SPEECH big bro. #ALCS #Yankees.”
Phillies coach and former MLB outfielder Charlie Manuel wrote, “I kept up w @CC_Sabathia all thru the minor leagues w @Indians, and he broke into ML with me as mgr. I always loved him as a pitcher and knew he wld do great things. He never had any excuses, he always would take the ball. He’s a tremendous man & a true pro. I love the guy.”
Ex-Yankee, now-Met second baseman Robinson Cano showed his support for the 38year-old’s very likely Hall of Fame-bound future by tweeting, “First Ballot Hall of Famer. Enjoy retirement brother. #LegaCCy.”
Injured Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes also chimed in: “Congrats brother. Class act on and off the field! Unbelievable career. #LegaCCy”