Sabathia eyes title send-off

TAMPA — CC Sabathia was reflective on parts of his career as he formally announced Saturday that 2019 would be his last season in the majors , but he made it clear he wanted to add one more milestone to his legacy.

“It will be fun to look back on all that stuff when I’m done playing,” Sabathia said at a press conference at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “But right now I’m just focused on trying to win a championship and have a parade at the end of the year. That would be great way to top this thing off.”

If he’s going to be successful in that last endeavor, the lefthander will need to be more than just a respected veteran making his swan song.

“First things first is getting him back and ready to be on the mound for us,’’ Aaron Boone said. “He’s still a really good pitcher and that’s ultimately why we brought him back. He’s gonna play an important role.”

The heart scare the 38-yearold suffered in December, which resulted in a stent being put in, has slowed the beginning of Sabathia’s spring (in addition to a right-knee cleanup), but he hopes to be able to start throwing off a mound around March 1.

As part of Sabathia’s farewell tour, he will work in conjunction with each city’s Boys & Girls Club to host 52 children (representing his jersey number) during his final stops at each ballpark.

As for what lies ahead in retirement, Sabathia admitted he doesn’t know.

He expects to remain a part of the organization, but laughed at the idea of becoming a coach or manager.

“I’ll come in here in spring training and help these guys out,’’ Sabathia said.

Hal Steinbrenner said he hasn’t thought about whether Sabathia will have his number retired, saying, “He still has baseball to play.’’

And, if all goes according to plan, one more championship to win.