CC Sabathia: Yankees arm with the Midas touch on the mound

The profile

Position	Pitcher
Active years	2001 – 2019
Teams (years)	Cleveland Indians (2001–2008), Milwaukee Brewers (2008), New York Yankees (2009–2019)
Draft	Cleveland Indians in 1998
Debut	April 8, 2001, for the Cleveland Indians
Last game	September 24, 2019, for the New York Yankees
Date of Birth	July 21, 1980 (age 43)
Native place	Vallejo, California, U.S.
Batted	Left
Threw	Left
All-Star	6× All-Star (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010–2012)
World Champions	1x World Series Champion (2009)
MLB Awards	AL Cy Young Award (2007)
	ALCS MVP (2009)
	2× MLB wins leader (2009, 2010)
Hall of Fame	July 27, 2025
Nickname	“Dub”

The bio

When CC Sabathia graced the boroughs of the Bronx, his presence carried the weight of a Cy Young accolade and a proven track record of steering Cleveland and Milwaukee towards postseason glory. The New York Yankees sealed the deal with a groundbreaking seven-year, $161 million contract, etching a new benchmark as the most lucrative deal ever inked by a pitcher at that moment.

Under the iconic Yankees emblem, Sabathia claimed the pinnacle of Major League Baseball for victories in both 2009 and 2010, clinching a cherished World Series ring in the inaugural year. His stellar performance in the 2009 American League Championship Series also earned him the title of Most Valuable Player. In the latter part of the 2010s, Sabathia underwent a resurgence, transforming into a precision-focused pitcher. In February 2019, he declared that the ongoing season would mark his farewell to the professional baseball arena.

Over the span of his illustrious career, Sabathia garnered All-Star distinctions six times and secured the Warren Spahn Award three times consecutively from 2007 to 2009. A defining moment came in August 2017, as Sabathia etched his name in history, becoming the all-time leader in strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher in the American League.

On April 30, 2019, he joined the exclusive ranks of the seventeenth pitcher in MLB history to achieve 3,000 strikeouts, solidifying his status as the third left-hander to accomplish this feat, alongside legends Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. Upon bidding farewell to the sport at the conclusion of the 2019 season, Sabathia stood atop the list among active Major League players in career wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

His impressive total of 251 career victories tied with Bob Gibson for the second-highest wins by a black pitcher in major league history, trailing only Ferguson Jenkins. Furthermore, Sabathia holds the unique distinction of being the sole pitcher to debut in the 21st century and amass at least 250 career wins in regular-season play.

Sabathia earned induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility as part of the Class of 2025. He garnered 342 votes from baseball writers, accounting for 86.8% of all ballots submitted, well above the required 75% for enshrinement. The Yankees ace was inducted into the Hall on July 27, 2025.

The narrative of Sabathia’s redemption following his period in alcohol rehabilitation transcends the sports arena, resonating as a beacon of inspiration for generations of enthusiasts.

Early life and career

Originating from Vallejo, California, Sabathia emerged as a versatile athlete during his stint at Vallejo High School, showcasing excellence not only in baseball but also in basketball and football. Throughout his adolescence, Sabathia actively engaged in the Major League Baseball youth program, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), immersing himself in summer baseball activities. His prowess in baseball became evident as he achieved an impressive win–loss record of 6–0, accompanied by a remarkable 0.77 earned run average (ERA) and a staggering 82 strikeouts in 45+2⁄3 innings pitched during his senior season. This outstanding performance secured him the prestigious title of the top high school prospect in Northern California, as acknowledged by Baseball America.

In the football arena, Sabathia showcased his adaptability by excelling as an all-conference tight end. Despite tempting scholarship offers for college football, including one from the University of California, Los Angeles, he chose a divergent path. Making a commitment to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a signed letter of intent, Sabathia charted a course to participate in both baseball and football for the Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors. The culmination of his high school journey took place in 1998 when Sabathia graduated from Vallejo High School. With seamless transition, he moved directly from the high school corridors to the arenas of minor league baseball.

The Cleveland Indians recognized Sabathia’s potential and selected him in the first round, clinching the 20th overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft. Sealing the deal with a substantial $1.3 million signing bonus, he embarked on a three-season journey within the Indians’ minor league system, laying the foundation for his eventual ascent in the world of Major League Baseball.

The year 2000 marked a pivotal chapter in Sabathia’s journey as he secured a coveted spot on the 28-man roster for the United States Olympic Team. His involvement extended to a pre-Olympic tournament game held in Sydney, Australia. However, destiny took an intriguing twist as he did not make the cut for the official 24-man roster that ultimately clinched the Gold Medal. The catalyst for this omission was his timely call-up by the Cleveland Indians, diverting his path from Olympic aspirations to the responsibilities of Major League Baseball.

Notwithstanding the Olympic detour, Sabathia’s excellence in the minor leagues garnered well-deserved attention. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he received the Indians’ 2000 Minor League Player of the Year accolade, a distinction marked by the presentation of the esteemed “Lou Boudreau Award.” This recognition solidified Sabathia’s rising status as an exceptional player, offering a glimpse into the remarkable career that awaited him in the realm of professional baseball.

With the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers

In the spring of 2001, Sabathia, a youthful 20-year-old, stepped onto the grand stage of Major League Baseball, launching his rookie season as the league’s youngest player. As the season progressed, the ace made a lasting impression, wrapping up with an impressive 17–5 record. This stellar performance propelled him into the Rookie of the Year discussion, securing the second spot in the AL voting, narrowly trailing behind his future New York Yankees teammate, Ichiro Suzuki. Concurrently, 2001 marked Sabathia’s introduction to postseason play, signaling the commencement of his journey into the heightened intensity of playoff baseball.

Moving into 2002, Sabathia affirmed his commitment to the Cleveland Indians by signing a four-year, $9.5 million contract on February 23. The agreement included a club option for the 2006 season, highlighting the team’s confidence in his potential. Throughout the 2002 season, Sabathia demonstrated his prowess by claiming the tenth spot in the AL for strikeouts, accumulating an impressive total of 149 in 210 innings. The subsequent year, 2003, commenced with Sabathia showcasing the tenth-best Earned Run Average (ERA) in the AL at 3.60. His standout contributions earned him a well-deserved spot on the American League All-Star team, marking a noteworthy milestone in his burgeoning career. This accolade marked the beginning of a consistent trend, as Sabathia secured his second consecutive All-Star selection in 2004. Wrapping up the season with an 11–10 record, a 4.12 ERA, and 139 strikeouts, Sabathia continued to establish himself as a formidable presence on the pitcher’s mound.

On April 27, 2005, the Cleveland Indians marked a crucial juncture by exercising their $7 million club option for the 2006 season, affirming their commitment to CC Sabathia. In a harmonious accord, this commitment was reciprocated as the ace sealed a two-year contract worth $17.75 million. This laid the foundation for an ongoing alliance, opening the path for Sabathia’s sustained contributions to the team’s triumphs.

The following year, 2006, witnessed Sabathia’s ascent to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball’s pitching elite. Leading the majors with an impressive six complete games, he displayed unparalleled endurance and skill on the pitcher’s mound. Further enhancing his stature, Sabathia topped the American League in shutouts, notching two for the season. His mastery extended to statistical rankings, securing the third position in Earned Run Average (ERA) and the eighth spot in strikeouts, accumulating a total of 172. This period marked a zenith in Sabathia’s career, as he continued to transform into a formidable presence within the competitive landscape of professional baseball.

In 2007, CC Sabathia propelled himself into the national spotlight, clinching the prestigious AL Cy Young Award. His exceptional season showcased an admirable 19–7 record, an imposing 3.21 Earned Run Average (ERA), an outstanding 1.14 Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP), and an impressive 5.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

His dominance on the pitcher’s mound was further evidenced by leading the majors with 241 innings pitched and accumulating 209 strikeouts. Notably, Sabathia reached a significant milestone on May 21, 2007, marking his 1,000th career strikeout by overpowering none other than Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners—the very player who had edged him out for Rookie of the Year honors.

The accolades continued to shower in as Sabathia secured a spot on the American League All-Star team for the third time. On September 28, 2007, he etched his name in history by becoming the youngest pitcher since Greg Maddux in 1993 to achieve 100 career wins. This remarkable feat added another layer to his already illustrious career. Sabathia’s stellar pitching played a pivotal role in guiding Cleveland to its first American League Central Division Championship since his rookie season in 2001.

The 2008 season marked a transitional phase for CC Sabathia, initiating with a record of 6–8 and a 3.83 Earned Run Average (ERA) in the initial 18 starts. As the Cleveland Indians found themselves outside the playoff picture and Sabathia approached impending free agency, a pivotal decision was made. In acknowledgment of the evolving landscape and with an eye on the future, the Indians opted to trade Sabathia, setting the stage for a new chapter in his baseball journey.

On July 7, 2008, Cleveland orchestrated a significant trade, dispatching CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, and Rob Bryson. In a twist of trade dynamics, Michael Brantley was later added as a player to be named; notably, the Indians exercised their unique right to choose the player themselves due to the Brewers’ playoff advancement in October. During the ensuing press conference, Sabathia took a moment to address a minor yet personal preference, expressing his desire for his name to be spelled as “CC” rather than “C. C.”

Sabathia carried this momentum into the postseason, making a noteworthy start in Game Two of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Impressively, it marked his fourth consecutive start pitching on three days’ rest. However, the game took an unforeseen turn as Sabathia, facing formidable opponents, conceded five runs in 3 2⁄3 innings. A pivotal moment occurred when he walked pitcher Brett Myers, leading to a grand slam by Shane Victorino. This setback proved decisive, as the Phillies eventually went on to secure victory in the World Series, leaving the Brewers with a taste of both success and disappointment in their 2008 playoff journey.

In the 2008 season, CC Sabathia delivered a stellar performance, culminating in a 17–10 record with a remarkable 2.70 Earned Run Average (ERA) across 35 starts. His prowess on the mound was further underscored by an impressive display of durability, as he led the major leagues with 253 innings pitched, posting 10 complete games, including five shutouts. Sabathia’s dominance extended to his strikeout game, where he fanned an astounding 251 batters, securing the major league lead in this category.

Sabathia joins Yankees

On December 18, 2008, Sabathia made history by signing a groundbreaking seven-year, $161 million deal with the New York Yankees, establishing a new benchmark for the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher in MLB history at the time. The excitement reached its pinnacle when, on March 26, 2009, manager Joe Girardi announced Sabathia as the selected Opening Day starter and the designated pitcher for the first home game at the recently unveiled Yankee Stadium.

Concluding the season with an impressive 19–8 record, Sabathia displayed a notable 3.37 ERA, securing the fourth position in the American League, and a 1.15 WHIP over 34 starts. His statistical achievements included 197 strikeouts in 230 innings, with a mere 67 walks. Yielding only 197 hits and allowing just 18 home runs, Sabathia limited opposing batters to a meager .232 batting average. Additionally, he achieved two complete games, one of which resulted in a shutout.

Claiming his inaugural postseason victory with the Yankees, Sabathia carved a memorable chapter in the opening game of the 2009 ALDS against the Minnesota Twins. Demonstrating his skill, he allowed only two runs, one of which was earned, over 6+2⁄3 innings, accompanied by an impressive eight strikeouts. The Yankees, in a triumphant sweep over three games, celebrated their first postseason series victory since 2004.

Adding to his postseason achievements, Sabathia secured the esteemed American League Championship Series (ALCS) Most Valuable Player Award. In an outstanding performance against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he attained a flawless 2–0 record with an impressive 1.13 ERA covering 16 innings. The Yankees went on to win the World Series after a gap of eight seasons.

On July 4, 2010, Sabathia sealed his fourth All-Star selection, marking his debut inclusion as a Yankee. However, Sabathia’s extraordinary streak faced a challenge in his subsequent appearance on August 28 against the Chicago White Sox, where he yielded five earned runs in seven innings. Despite this setback, the 2010 season marked a noteworthy milestone in Sabathia’s career as he secured his inaugural 20-win season.

Concluding the season with 21 wins, the highest in the major leagues, and only 7 losses, Sabathia’s performance was exceptional. Over 237+2⁄3 innings pitched, he posted a commendable 3.18 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Surrendering 209 hits while striking out 197 batters and walking 74, Sabathia also threw two complete games and held opponents to a .239 batting average. Remarkably, 26 of his 34 starts met the criteria for quality starts, marking a career-high..

In 2011, Sabathia assumed the role of the opening-day starter for the Yankees for the third consecutive year. He secured his spot in the All-Star game, marking his fifth career All-Star selection. An intriguing turn of events unfolded as he decided to pitch the Sunday before the All-Star game, relinquishing his active roster spot to Alexi Ogando after replacing James Shields. In a stellar display before the All-Star break, Sabathia delivered a complete game, four-hit shutout against the Rays at Yankee Stadium, a notable achievement and his first at home since joining the Yankees. The performance included nine strikeouts and one walk, resulting in a 1–0 victory over the Rays. Notably, Sabathia became the first Yankees pitcher to achieve 13 wins by the All-Star break since Andy Pettitte in 1996. Additionally, his 2.72 ERA marked the lowest by a Yankees starter in the first half of the season since David Cone in 1999.

In a milestone moment, Sabathia recorded his 2,000th career strikeout on September 10, 2011, against Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, although the Yankees faced a 6–0 loss in that particular game.

The 2012 season kicked off for Sabathia with a less-than-ideal start, marked by Carlos Peña hitting a grand slam in the opening inning of the inaugural game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite this early setback, Sabathia staged an impressive comeback, accumulating a 9–3 record with a 3.55 ERA in his initial 16 starts. A standout moment occurred on June 18 when he pitched a complete game against the Atlanta Braves, allowing only two runs and one walk while striking out ten. This marked Sabathia’s 34th career complete game and eighth as a Yankee.

In 2013, Sabathia continued his tradition of consecutive Opening Day starts, making his eighth in a row and fifth for the Yankees on April 1, which unfortunately concluded with an 8–2 loss against the Boston Red Sox. The veteran left-hander achieved a career milestone on July 3, securing his 200th career win against the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a strained hamstring. Concluding the season with a 14–13 record and a then-career-worst 4.78 ERA in 211 innings over 32 starts, Sabathia faced both triumphs and challenges in the journey of 2013.

Embarking on the 2013 season, Sabathia underwent a remarkable transformation, shedding 40 pounds (18 kg). By the time spring training rolled around in 2014, he emerged with a revamped physique, tipping the scales at 275 pounds (125 kg). The drastic weight loss was a poignant response to a personal tragedy, as he openly acknowledged resorting to crash dieting following the untimely death of a cousin from heart disease in December 2012. Yet, despite his physical metamorphosis, Sabathia encountered a season marred by persistent troubles in his right knee.

As the calendar turned to 2015, Sabathia entered a new phase, showing up at spring training with a weight of 305 pounds (138 kg). The decision to reclaim some of the lost weight was rooted in his belief that the reduced weight had played a role in his lackluster and injury-plagued 2014 season. In the midst of this quest for a comeback, Sabathia made a mark in MLB history during a game against the Angels on June 7, 2015. It was on this occasion that he achieved his 2,500th career strikeout, earning a spot as the 31st pitcher to reach this significant milestone in the history of Major League Baseball.

The journey of the 2016 season marked a notable chapter of improvement in Sabathia’s career. April 9, 2016, stood as a significant date when Sabathia secured a win in his season debut, skillfully limiting the Detroit Tigers to three earned runs over six innings. However, the season posed a temporary setback on May 6, as Sabathia found himself placed on the 15-day disabled list, grappling with a left groin strain.

Nonetheless, Sabathia rebounded triumphantly on May 20, achieving a milestone by recording his 100th win as a Yankee in an 8–3 victory against the Oakland Athletics. In this game, he showcased his prowess by pitching six innings, allowing only one run, and striking out eight batters. Over the course of the season, Sabathia made 30 starts, concluding with a 9–12 record and a 3.91 ERA, covering 179+2⁄3 innings. Noteworthy were the 16 quality starts, accompanied by 152 strikeouts and a 1.32 WHIP. The resurgence in Sabathia’s performance during 2016 was attributed, in part, to the consistent use of an effective knee brace.

The season’s curtain fell on October 11, as Sabathia underwent routine surgery on his right knee, underscoring the dedication to maintaining his physical well-being. Despite the positive strides, the Yankees did not grace the postseason stage in 2016, marking the conclusion of their competitive journey for that particular year.

2017 marked a compelling resurgence for Sabathia, who seamlessly transitioned from a power and velocity-reliant pitcher to one who harnessed the precision of command and control. A juncture of adversity presented itself on June 13 when Sabathia sustained a left hamstring injury, prompting his placement on the disabled list. His triumphant return on July 4 saw him take the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

A milestone moment unfolded on August 1 when Sabathia marked his 500th career start, albeit in a losing effort against the Detroit Tigers. However, challenges loomed larger on August 8, forcing his premature exit from a game due to pain in his surgically repaired right knee, ultimately leading to a stint on the 10-day disabled list.

From the shadows of adversity emerged a resolute Sabathia, returning from the disabled list on August 19 to contribute significantly to the Yankees’ push for a wild card spot. Concluding the 2017 season, he achieved a commendable 14–5 record with a 3.69 ERA, recording 120 strikeouts and maintaining a 1.27 WHIP over 148+2⁄3 innings across 27 starts.

As the postseason unfolded, Sabathia assumed pivotal roles in Games Two and Five of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. Despite a setback in Game Two, where he yielded two earned runs in 5+1⁄3 innings, Sabathia roared back in Game Five, striking out nine in 4+1⁄3 innings, propelling the Yankees to the ALCS for the first time since 2012. 

The narrative extended into 2018 as Sabathia committed to another year with the Yankees, inking a one-year contract for $10 million. A moment of historical significance occurred on June 12, 2018, when Sabathia notched his 1,500th strikeout as a Yankee in a 3–0 win over the Washington Nationals. This achievement placed him in esteemed company alongside Andy Pettitte, Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry, and Red Ruffing on the list of pitchers with 1,500 strikeouts as Yankees. Nevertheless, on August 13, Sabathia confronted another setback, landing on the disabled list due to right knee inflammation. The regular season drew to a close with a notable incident on September 27, 2018, as Sabathia was ejected for intentionally hitting Rays catcher Jesús Sucre with a pitch. This incident followed retaliation by the Rays’ Andrew Kittredge, who had thrown at Yankee Austin Romine’s head earlier in the game in response to Sabathia hitting the Rays’ Jake Bauers on the arm. As a consequence, Sabathia received a five-game suspension, to be served in 2019, rounding off the season with a 9–7 record and a 3.65 ERA.

In 2018, the Yankees clinched victory in the American League Wild Card Game against the Oakland Athletics, propelling them to the American League Division Series where they faced off against arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox. Sabathia assumed the mound for Game Four of the ALDS, an encounter that concluded in a loss as he surrendered three runs in three innings. The Red Sox emerged triumphant in the game with a 4–3 score, securing a three-games-to-one victory over the Yankees. Subsequently, the Red Sox continued their success by clinching the 2018 World Series title.

The commencement of the 2019 season saw Sabathia on the sidelines, starting on the 10-day injured list as he recuperated from heart surgery. Making a resolute comeback on April 13, 2019, Sabathia showcased his prowess by pitching five innings of one-hit baseball, contributing to a 4–0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. A historic moment unfolded on April 30 when Sabathia recorded his 3,000th strikeout against John Ryan Murphy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, joining the ranks as only the third left-handed pitcher to achieve this milestone.

Amidst his contributions, Sabathia received an invitation to participate in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland. While there, he not only threw the ceremonial first pitch but also made a memorable mound visit to Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman. Unfortunately, recurring knee troubles forced him onto the 10-day injured list again on July 28 and later on August 31, marking the third time in the 2019 season.

The significance of September 18 loomed large as Sabathia made his final regular-season pitching appearance at Yankee Stadium, garnering a heartfelt standing ovation from the home crowd. Wrapping up the season with a 5–8 record and a 4.95 earned run average in 23 games, Sabathia bid farewell to his Yankees tenure with a cumulative record of 134–88 and a 3.80 earned run average.

Omitted from the Yankees’ 25-man roster for the 2019 American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, Sabathia found his way back into action during the subsequent American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, albeit in a different capacity as a reliever. His presence on the mound in Game 4 of the ALCS marked a poignant moment, as Sabathia delivered 20 pitches, retiring two batters with a line-out, a hit batsman, and a flyout. However, he couldn’t complete the inning due to discomfort.

The aftermath saw the Yankees make a decisive move, removing Sabathia from the roster the next day due to a subluxated left shoulder. Ben Heller stepped in as his replacement, effectively rendering Sabathia ineligible to contribute to the World Series, had the Yankees progressed to that stage. In reflecting on his exit from the game in what was declared his final season, Sabathia remarked, “kind of fitting. I threw until I couldn’t anymore.”

The official declaration of retirement came on October 21, 2019, as Sabathia took to Twitter to share his sentiments: “It all started in Vallejo, CA, in my grandma’s backyard throwing grapefruits at a folding chair. I could have never imagined how much this game has meant to me since. Through the ups and downs, baseball has always been my home. From Cleveland to Milwaukee, New York, and everywhere in between, I’m so thankful to have experienced this journey with every teammate past and present. All I ever wanted was to be a great teammate and win. I’m so proud of this year’s team, we fought ‘til the end. Love you guys! I’m going to miss going out there on the mound and competing, but it’s time to say farewell. Thank you, Baseball.”

The curtains closed on Sabathia’s eleven-year tenure with the Yankees, leaving an indelible mark. Throughout 307 games (306 starts), he boasted 134 wins against 88 losses, translating to an impressive .604 winning percentage. His pitching prowess was evident in a 3.81 ERA and 1.272 WHIP, with a remarkable 1,700 strikeouts accumulated in 1,918 innings pitched.

Post-Retirement and Personal Life

Embarking on a new chapter, on April 6, 2022, Sabathia took on a distinctive role within Major League Baseball, stepping into the position of special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred.

The fabric of Sabathia’s life is interwoven with the joys of family. Alongside his wife, Amber, they nurture a family of four children: a son, Carsten Charles III (born 2003), a daughter, Jaeden Arie (born 2005), another daughter, Cyia (born 2008), and a son, Carter (born 2010). Their journey began in Fairfield, California, situated just beyond his hometown of Vallejo near San Francisco. The compass of their residence shifted when Sabathia joined the Yankees, prompting a relocation to Alpine, New Jersey.

Despite the geographical transition, Sabathia maintains an unbreakable tie to his roots. In a noteworthy tribute, Vallejo High School declared “CC Sabathia Day” in January 2012, accompanied by the renaming of the school’s baseball field in his honor. This recognition resonated deeply, especially considering Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation’s involvement in the field’s renovation—an endeavor aimed at creating a positive impact. The PitCCh In Foundation stands as a beacon of philanthropy, channeling its efforts to support the aspirations of inner-city children. In a testament to their commitment, the foundation sponsored a team of runners in the 2014 New York City Marathon.

Adding another dimension to his multifaceted persona, Sabathia ventured into the world of podcasting in July 2017. Alongside co-host Ryan Ruocco, the R2C2 podcast came to life under The Players’ Tribune banner, offering a platform for engaging conversations. This auditory journey found a new home in May 2018, as the podcast transitioned to the UNINTERRUPTED podcast network, expanding its reach and resonance.

In the winter of 2018, facing challenges such as shortness of breath and other troubling symptoms, Sabathia navigated a health scare that led him to a cardiac catheterization. The procedure revealed a blockage in one of his coronary arteries, prompting the placement of a stent to alleviate the obstruction.

Undeterred by this critical juncture, Sabathia embarked on a transformative journey. Fueled by resilience, he embraced a comprehensive exercise and diet regimen, shedding an impressive 60 pounds from his peak weight.

The year 2021 bore witness to a heartwarming tribute from Sabathia’s roots. The Cleveland Indians, his inaugural team, paid homage by dedicating a baseball field in his honor. This sacred ground, now known as “CC Sabathia Field at Luke Easter Park,” not only immortalizes the pitcher’s legacy but also serves as a nod to Luke Easter, another distinguished figure from the team’s history.

Sabathia’s alcoholism and redemption

In a pivotal moment, ace CC Sabathia opted for a public acknowledgment of his struggle with alcohol abuse during the 2015 season. This decision, coming just a day before the American League Wild Card Game, unfolded on a highly visible stage. However, its impact proved to be transformative, marking a turning point for Sabathia, who has steadfastly embraced sobriety ever since.

While the narrative of Sabathia’s trajectory from a decline between 2013-2015 to a resilient comeback from 2016-2019 might be construed as a natural ebb and flow within an athlete’s career, the truth runs deeper for CC and his wife, Amber. Age wasn’t the sole factor influencing CC’s journey; the specter of alcoholism also cast its long shadow. A poignant instance of this struggle unfolded shortly after Sabathia had basked in the celebratory dousing of champagne, symbolizing the Yankees’ playoff berth, just days before. The culmination of 22 years of binge drinking reached its zenith during New York’s final regular-season series against the Baltimore Orioles, etching a life-altering moment in Sabathia’s narrative.

In a candid revelation, Sabathia shared a vivid snapshot of his lowest point, recalling a night in a Baltimore hotel room that became an emblem of his battle with alcohol. “It was being in a hotel room in Baltimore, not being able to stop drinking,” he confided. The struggle unfolded as a relentless internal dialogue, with Sabathia consciously telling himself, “‘I can’t have another drink,’ and still going back to my mini-bar and pouring more Hennessy.”

For Sabathia, this marked a profound nadir, a moment that transcended the conventional markers of trouble like a DUI or legal entanglements. Reflecting on this juncture, he emphasized, “It wasn’t getting a DUI. It wasn’t getting in trouble or court orders. I definitely had my run-ins, and I definitely could have gotten in trouble or lost my life, but none of those things fazed me. It was me not being able to stop.”

The roots of Sabathia’s relationship with alcohol delve into his early teenage years, taking shape long before his entry into the world of Major League Baseball. “I started drinking when I was 14,” Sabathia revealed, highlighting a confluence of personal tragedies—a grandfather’s passing, a cousin’s tragic death, and his parents’ separation—that spurred him to seek solace in alcohol. The initial encounter with drinking provided an escape from the weight of these challenges, and Sabathia recollected, “And the very first night I drank, I didn’t think about none of that stuff, and I was like ‘ahh, this is great!'”

Despite the burgeoning reliance on alcohol, Sabathia’s athletic prowess remained undiminished, allowing him to navigate the complexities of his dual existence. Rising through Cleveland’s minor league system, he made his MLB debut in 2001, marking the commencement of a professional journey that ran parallel to his escalating struggles with alcohol.

“It’s just the culture of baseball,” Sabathia remarked, delving into the ingrained norms of the sport. Reflecting on his early days in the big leagues, he revealed, “When I got to the big leagues, it was like ‘yeah, this is what you’re supposed to do. Yeah, you’re supposed to pitch a good game and then go out and have a couple drinks. Then you get up, sweat it all out tomorrow, and go drink again tomorrow night!'”

In a swift turn of events, a day after the conclusion of the regular season, Yankees GM Brian Cashman publicly disclosed Sabathia’s immediate departure from the team for alcohol rehabilitation, a decision that would sideline him for the postseason he had recently contributed to securing. Cashman made this announcement against the backdrop of a mosaic adorned with Budweiser logos.

Transitioning from the pitcher’s mound to a new advocacy role, the former six-time All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion has embraced a fresh chapter as a spokesperson for the My Relationship with Alcohol campaign. This initiative, backed by biopharmaceutical company Alkermes, serves as Sabathia’s platform to elevate awareness surrounding alcohol dependency and its profound impact on individuals and communities.

In the tapestry of his playing career, Sabathia confronted personal tribulations, including the poignant loss of his father to cancer in 2003 and the departure of a beloved cousin. Amidst the escalating struggles with alcohol, he candidly portrayed himself as a “strange alcoholic” in the opening lines of his book, “Till the End.”

In a candid conversation with Gayle King, co-host of “CBS This Morning,” Sabathia shared insights into a distinctive routine he maintained throughout his playing career. Following a game, the former pitcher would instinctively turn to heavy drinking for the subsequent three days, creating a recurring cycle. This pattern allowed him to normalize the relationship between pitching and detoxing, a process he would repeat consistently.

The turning point for Sabathia arose outside a Toronto nightclub in August 2015. Although he sensed the need for assistance, he initially hesitated to take action. The wake-up call occurred during a pivotal moment when, after a three-day drinking binge in Baltimore just before the MLB playoffs, he found himself unable to break the cycle. This realization marked a definitive low point for the Cy Young Award Winner, prompting him to bravely confront his drinking problem. Sabathia made the proactive choice to voluntarily enter rehabilitation, bypassing his wife’s suggestion to postpone until the season concluded. He recognized the urgency of addressing his addiction promptly, fearing that delaying help might eliminate any future opportunity for recovery.

After successfully completing rehabilitation in 2016, he extended his competitive journey for an extra three years, marking a pivotal chapter he deems the pinnacle of his career. In 2017, Sabathia experienced a noteworthy resurgence, skillfully evolving his pitching approach. The shift transitioned from a reliance on power and speed to a more refined strategy centered on precision and masterful control.

CC Sabathia: Greatest Moment in Pinstripes

In the 2012 American League Division Series, Sabathia showcased his dominance by securing victories in both the initial and pivotal fifth games against the Baltimore Orioles. In an impressive performance at Camden Yards during Game 1, he pitched for 8 and 2/3 innings, conceding merely two earned runs. Sabathia elevated his postseason prowess by delivering his inaugural complete game in Game 5, permitting only one run, four hits, two walks, and striking out nine. This stellar outing contributed to the Yankees overcoming the Orioles in a five-game series.

Despite this success, Sabathia faced a setback in Game Four of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, pitching with an additional day’s rest. Unfortunately, he surrendered six runs (five earned) in 3 and 2/3 innings. Compounded by the absence of Derek Jeter, who sustained a fractured ankle in Game 1, the Yankees were ultimately swept in four games. On October 25, 2012, Sabathia underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to address a long-standing issue—a bone spur that had plagued him since his tenure with Cleveland.

Throughout his initial four years with the Yankees, despite contending with the lingering bone spur, Sabathia boasted an outstanding record. He amassed a 74–29 win-loss record with a 3.22 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Over 129 starts, 88 of which met quality standards, he completed nine games. The left-hander tallied 905 innings, striking out 821 batters while allowing 246 walks, 820 hits, and 77 home runs. On average, this translated to a season comprising 32 starts, 22 of high quality, 18 wins, 226 innings pitched, 205 hits, 62 walks, 205 strikeouts, 19 home runs, and notable rates of 0.77 HR/9, 2.45 BB/9, 8.16 K/9, 3.34 K/BB, and a .241 opponent batting average.

Legacy

In August 2017, Sabathia etched his name in the annals of baseball history, claiming the title of the all-time American League leader in strikeouts for a left-handed pitcher. As he bid farewell to the game after the 2019 season, he stood atop all active Major League players in career wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. Sabathia’s prime, spanning from 2005 to 2012, marked him as the most triumphant pitcher in major league baseball during that era. With a cumulative record of 137–67 (.672) and a 3.24 ERA, he showcased dominance, securing 17 or more wins for five consecutive seasons (2007 to 2011). Over this period, he amassed 1,788 and 1/3 innings, striking out 1,614 batters, averaging over 220 innings pitched and 200 strikeouts per season. He started 257 games, notching 173 quality starts, earned top-five Cy Young voting placements five times, received four All-Star berths, and boasted a 3.26 FIP, 135 ERA+, 40.8 bWAR, and 43.6 fWAR. Sabathia emerged as one of the premier pitchers in the vicennial period from 2000 to 2020, leading in wins, games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Despite pitching and batting left-handed, Sabathia’s true-handedness is right. He credits his father for guiding him to throw with his left hand from the age of two.

In his role as a hitter, Sabathia accumulated 25 hits in 121 at-bats (127 plate appearances), culminating in a .207 batting average. Notably, on June 21, 2008, he crushed a 440-foot home run off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park. Expanding on his hitting prowess, on July 13, 2008, in his second game with the Brewers, Sabathia hammered his second home run of the season off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey, becoming the third pitcher in history to homer in both leagues in the same season and the first since Earl Wilson achieved the feat in 1970 with Detroit and San Diego.

Sabathia’s reputation as a pitcher who consistently delivered a high number of effective innings each season earned him the moniker of a “workhorse.” Discounting his injury-shortened 2014 campaign, Sabathia averaged over 200 innings per season throughout his career, reaching the benchmark eight times, including seven consecutive seasons of at least 200 innings pitched from 2007 to 2013.

Awards & Honors

• 6× All-Star selection (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010–2012)
• World Series champion (2009)
• ALCS MVP (2009)
• AL Cy Young Award (2007)
• 3x Warren Spahn Award recipient (2007–2009)
• 2× MLB wins leader (2009, 2010)
• 2× AL shutouts leader (2006, 2008)
• NL shutouts leader (2008)
• 3,000 strikeout club
• 2001 MLB Rookie of the Month Award (July)
• 2001 Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award
• 2006 MLB Pitcher of the Month Award (May)
• 2007 MLB Player of the Week Award
• 2008 Baseball America Player of the Year
• 2008 Clutch Performer of the Month Award (August)
• 2008 Clutch Performer of the Year Award
• 2008 MLB Pitcher of the Month Award (July)
• 2008 MLB Pitcher of the Month Award (August)
• 2008 MLB Player of the Week Award
• 2008 Top Newcomer Award (Milwaukee Brewers)
• 2011 MLB Pitcher of the Month Award (July)
• 2007 Cleveland Indians Man of the Year Award
• 2007 Outstanding Pitcher of the Year Award (Player’s Choice)
• 2007 Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award
• 2019 Jack Lang Award (Previously: Slocum Award)

FAQs

How much does CC Sabathia weigh?

CC Sabathia’s weight fluctuated throughout his career but was listed at around 300 pounds.

How old is CC Sabathia?

CC Sabathia is 43 years old as of December 2023. He was born on July 21, 1980.

How tall is CC Sabathia?

CC Sabathia is 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall.

Where does CC Sabathia live?

CC lives in Vallejo.

How did CC Sabathia lose weight?

CC Sabathia employed various diets throughout his career to manage his weight. Before the 2012 season, he lost 30 pounds, and he further adopted a vegan diet to expedite his recovery process from knee surgery before the 2018 campaign.

How much is CC Sabathia worth?

As of my last knowledge update in December 2023, CC Sabathia’s estimated net worth was around $80 million.

Where is CC Sabathia from?

CC Sabathia is from Vallejo, California, USA.

A.J. Pierzynski, B.J. Surhoff, and CC Sabathia all played what pro sport?

Baseball.

When did CC Sabathia retire?

CC Sabathia officially announced his retirement after the 2019 MLB season.

How much does CC Sabathia weigh?

CC Sabathia’s weight fluctuated throughout his career but was listed at around 300 pounds.

What size shoe does CC Sabathia wear?

CC Sabathia wears a shoe size of around 15.

What teams did CC Sabathia play for?

CC Sabathia played for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees.

What ethnicity is CC Sabathia?

CC Sabathia is African American.

What is CC Sabathia doing now?

As of now, CC Sabathia serves as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred at Major League Baseball, a position he took on April 6, 2022. Additionally, he hosts his own podcast.

How many home runs did CC Sabathia hit?

Despite being a pitcher, CC Sabathia managed to hit 3 home runs during his career.

When is CC Sabathia eligible for the Hall of Fame?

CC Sabathia will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025, five years after his retirement.

Where did CC Sabathia go to college?

CC Sabathia did not go to college; he was drafted straight out of high school in 1998.

How many kids does CC Sabathia have?

CC Sabathia has four children.

How many career starts has CC Sabathia made against Boston?

CC Sabathia made a total of 38 career starts against Boston, accumulating an 18-15 record in those matchups.

How many Cy Young Awards did CC Sabathia win?

CC Sabathia won the Cy Young Award once, in 2007.

When was CC Sabathia drafted?

CC Sabathia was drafted in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians.

When will CC Sabathia retire?

CC Sabathia officially retired after the 2019 MLB season.

Cleveland pitching staff when CC Sabathia was ace.

During his time with the Cleveland Indians, CC Sabathia was considered the ace of the pitching staff.

How many years was CC Sabathia with the Yankees?

CC Sabathia played for the New York Yankees from 2009 to 2019.

What pitchers did CC Sabathia learn to extend his career?

CC Sabathia adjusted his pitching style over the years, incorporating off-speed pitches to extend his career.

How many players has CC Sabathia struck out in his career?

CC Sabathia struck out a total of 3,093 players over the course of his career.

What is CC Sabathia’s real name?

CC Sabathia’s full name is Carsten Charles Sabathia.

Who is CC Sabathia?

CC Sabathia is a retired professional baseball pitcher, known for his successful career in MLB.

How tall is CC Sabathia?

CC Sabathia is 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall.

Why does CC Sabathia serve a five-game suspension?

CC Sabathia received a five-game suspension for intentionally beaning Jesús Sucre during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This action was in retaliation to a pitch near the head of Yankees catcher Austin Romine by Andrew Kittredge of the Rays. The incident led to Sabathia’s ejection from the game and cost him $500,000 as it left him two innings short of a contract bonus. Sabathia chose to appeal the suspension, and if upheld, it was slated to be served at the beginning of the 2019 season. The suspension served as a consequence for his intentional actions during the game.

How many wins does CC Sabathia have?

CC Sabathia recorded 251 wins during his MLB career.

CC Sabathia, how many times in rehab?

CC Sabathia checked into rehab once in 2015. He marked six years of sobriety as of November 2021.

What does the CC in CC Sabathia stand for?

The CC in CC Sabathia stands for Carsten Charles.

Who replaced CC Sabathia on the roster?

After CC Sabathia’s injury, Ben Heller replaced him on the Yankees’ ALCS (American League Championship Series) roster. However, in the subsequent season, the Yankees secured Gerrit Cole as the new ace of the team.

What types of pitches does CC Sabathia throw?

CC Sabathia was known for his fastball, slider, and changeup during his career.

What year did CC Sabathia win the Cy Young?

CC Sabathia won the Cy Young Award in 2007.

What procedure did CC Sabathia have?

CC Sabathia underwent knee surgery in October 2019.

When did CC Sabathia sign with the Yankees?

CC Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees before the 2009 season.

CC Sabathia, how many World Series?

CC Sabathia won one World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009.

When was CC Sabathia robbed?

CC Sabathia was robbed at gunpoint on May 17 in 2001. The incident occurred at about 4 a.m. at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center, where Sabathia and his cousin, Jomar Connors, were targeted by suspects named Stringer and Jamaal Harris.

How long was CC Sabathia with the Milwaukee Brewers?

CC Sabathia played for the Milwaukee Brewers for a brief period in the 2008 season.

Why does CC Sabathia dislike Jackie Bradley Jr.?

CC Sabathia’s supposed dislike for Jackie Bradley Jr. stems from an imaginary beef that Sabathia initiated after walking Bradley seven years ago. The incident led to a playful exchange between Sabathia and another player, Mookie Betts, who found the situation amusing and compared Sabathia’s approach to that of Michael Jordan, acknowledging Sabathia’s greatness.

Who signed CC Sabathia Steinbrenner?

CC Sabathia was signed by the New York Yankees, and the decision would have involved the ownership, including George Steinbrenner’s family.

How many saves did CC Sabathia blow?

CC Sabathia, being a starting pitcher, was not typically in a position to accumulate saves, which is a statistic associated with relief pitchers.

What year did CC Sabathia win the Cy Young Award?

CC Sabathia won the Cy Young Award in 2007.

When did CC Sabathia become a Yankee?

CC Sabathia became a Yankee when he signed with the New York Yankees before the 2009 season.

When did CC Sabathia pitch last?

The specific date of CC Sabathia’s last pitch would depend on the season and the circumstances. The information would require real-time data.

Who does CC Sabathia pitch for?

CC Sabathia has retired, so he is not actively playing for any team.

Why did CC Sabathia hit Sucre?

CC Sabathia hit Jesus Sucre on the first pitch to start the bottom of the sixth inning, resulting in an instant ejection. The incident was seemingly triggered during the top of the frame when Andrew Kittredge threw inside at Austin Romine. Sabathia’s action was perceived as retaliation, leading to his ejection from the game.

How hard does CC Sabathia throw?

CC Sabathia’s pitching velocity varied throughout his career, but he was known for a fastball that could reach the mid to high 90s in his prime.

How long has CC Sabathia been playing baseball?

CC Sabathia had a professional baseball career spanning from his debut in 2001 until his retirement after the 2019 season.

When did CC Sabathia sign with Jay Z?

CC Sabathia signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports agency in 2015.

When was CC Sabathia rookie year?

CC Sabathia’s rookie year was in 2001 when he debuted with the Cleveland Indians.

When is the last day CC Sabathia pitched for the Yankees?

CC Sabathia’s last day pitching for the Yankees was on September 18, 2019.

Why did CC Sabathia check into rehab?

CC Sabathia checked into rehab in 2015 to address issues related to alcohol addiction.

What is a signed CC Sabathia baseball worth?

The value of a signed CC Sabathia baseball would depend on factors such as its condition, the market demand for his autograph, and any associated historical significance.

What does CC Sabathia earn in 2019?

In 2019, CC Sabathia earned $25,000,000.

How did CC Sabathia lose 500K?

What has happened to CC Sabathia?

Does CC Sabathia have a ring?

Yes, CC Sabathia has a World Series ring. He won it with the New York Yankees in 2009.

What has happened to CC Sabathia?

As of my last update, CC Sabathia had retired from professional baseball and was involved in various media roles and philanthropy. Please check recent sources for the latest information.

Does CC Sabathia have a son?

Yes, CC Sabathia has four children, and one of them is a son.

Who knew CC Sabathia was a drunk?

According to Sabathia, his Yankees teammates knew he was a drinker, but they were unaware of the extent of the problem because he did most of his heavy drinking alone in a hotel room late at night.

What does CC Sabathia look like now?

Currently, CC Sabathia, after losing 40 pounds post-retirement, has gained back 20 pounds in muscle, bringing his current weight to 280 pounds. He appears muscular and jacked, with rippling arm muscles that reflect his athletic background as a high school football star, rather than resembling the physique of one of the most successful pitchers of the last 20 years.

What does RIP mean on CC Sabathia’s baseball glove?

CC’s number “52” is embroidered on his wrist strap and “R.I.P. NB” (in honor of his cousin Nathan Berhel).

Where does CC Sabathia rank among all-time lefties?

CC Sabathia, in 2019, became the 17th pitcher in MLB history and the third lefty ever to reach 3,000 strikeouts. In 2017, he also became the all-time American League leader in strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher.

Who taught CC Sabathia the two-seam fastball?

Milwaukee pitching coach Mike Maddux played a crucial role in teaching CC Sabathia the two-seam fastball. Prior to this addition, Sabathia relied on a four-seamer, changeup, and slider in his pitching repertoire.

What was CC Sabathia’s fastest pitch?

CC Sabathia had a 95 mph fastball, which was the highest velocity among lefty starters at the time.

Did CC Sabathia ever hit a home run?

Yes, CC Sabathia hit three home runs during his career, with one at home and two on the road.

Did CC Sabathia ever throw a no-hitter?

On April 10, 2010, Sabathia had a no-hitter intact after 7.2 innings while playing against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

How much did CC Sabathia pay in taxes on his NJ house?

CC Sabathia paid an estimated nearly $38,000 in taxes on his New Jersey house.

How did CC Sabathia lose $500K?

CC Sabathia was set to receive a $500,000 bonus incentive in the 2018 season for reaching a total of 155 innings pitched. However, he was ejected from a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, falling two innings short of the record, after intentionally hitting the Rays’ catcher, Jesus Sucre. This ejection cost him the bonus.

Stats

Source: Baseball Reference

SUMMARY	WAR	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	SO	WHIP
Career	62.3	251	161	3.74	561	560	0	3577.1	3093	1.259

Standard pitching

Year	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	ERA+	FIP	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9	SO/W
2001	17	5	0.773	4.39	33	33	0	0	0	0	180.1	149	93	88	19	95	1	171	7	3	7	763	102	4.22	1.353	7.4	0.9	4.7	8.5	1.8
2002	13	11	0.542	4.37	33	33	0	2	0	0	210	198	109	102	17	88	2	149	1	3	6	891	100	3.87	1.362	8.5	0.7	3.8	6.4	1.69
2003	13	9	0.591	3.6	30	30	0	2	1	0	197.2	190	85	79	19	66	3	141	6	2	4	832	122	3.95	1.295	8.7	0.9	3	6.4	2.14
2004	11	10	0.524	4.12	30	30	0	1	1	0	188	176	90	86	20	72	3	139	7	1	1	787	106	4.21	1.319	8.4	1	3.4	6.7	1.93
2005	15	10	0.6	4.03	31	31	0	1	0	0	196.2	185	92	88	19	62	1	161	7	0	7	823	104	3.69	1.256	8.5	0.9	2.8	7.4	2.6
2006	12	11	0.522	3.22	28	28	0	6	2	0	192.2	182	83	69	17	44	3	172	7	0	3	802	139	3.3	1.173	8.5	0.8	2.1	8	3.91
2007	19	7	0.731	3.21	34	34	0	4	1	0	241	238	94	86	20	37	1	209	8	0	1	975	141	3.14	1.141	8.9	0.7	1.4	7.8	5.65
2008	17	10	0.63	2.7	35	35	0	10	5	0	253	223	85	76	19	59	1	251	7	2	2	1023	156	2.91	1.115	7.9	0.7	2.1	8.9	4.25
2008	6	8	0.429	3.83	18	18	0	3	2	0	122.1	117	54	52	13	34	1	123	3	2	1	507	111	3.41	1.234	8.6	1	2.5	9	3.62
2008	11	2	0.846	1.65	17	17	0	7	3	0	130.2	106	31	24	6	25	0	128	4	0	1	516	255	2.44	1.003	7.3	0.4	1.7	8.8	5.12
2009	19	8	0.704	3.37	34	34	0	2	1	0	230	197	96	86	18	67	7	197	9	0	5	938	137	3.39	1.148	7.7	0.7	2.6	7.7	2.94
2010	21	7	0.75	3.18	34	34	0	2	0	0	237.2	209	92	84	20	74	6	197	7	1	8	970	136	3.54	1.191	7.9	0.8	2.8	7.5	2.66
2011	19	8	0.704	3	33	33	0	3	1	0	237.1	230	87	79	17	61	4	230	7	1	2	985	143	2.88	1.226	8.7	0.6	2.3	8.7	3.77
2012	15	6	0.714	3.38	28	28	0	2	0	0	200	184	89	75	22	44	2	197	8	1	4	833	125	3.33	1.14	8.3	1	2	8.9	4.48
2013	14	13	0.519	4.78	32	32	0	2	0	0	211	224	122	112	28	65	5	175	4	1	7	908	84	4.1	1.37	9.6	1.2	2.8	7.5	2.69
2014	3	4	0.429	5.28	8	8	0	0	0	0	46	58	31	27	10	10	0	48	4	0	2	209	73	4.78	1.478	11.3	2	2	9.4	4.8
2015	6	10	0.375	4.73	29	29	0	1	0	0	167.1	188	92	88	28	50	3	137	6	1	5	726	86	4.68	1.422	10.1	1.5	2.7	7.4	2.74
2016	9	12	0.429	3.91	30	30	0	0	0	0	179.2	172	83	78	22	65	1	152	9	1	2	768	110	4.28	1.319	8.6	1.1	3.3	7.6	2.34
2017	14	5	0.737	3.69	27	27	0	0	0	0	148.2	139	64	61	21	50	1	120	5	0	5	623	122	4.49	1.271	8.4	1.3	3	7.3	2.4
2018	9	7	0.563	3.65	29	29	0	0	0	0	153	150	72	62	19	51	0	140	11	0	3	665	115	4.16	1.314	8.8	1.1	3	8.2	2.75
2019	5	8	0.385	4.95	23	22	0	0	0	0	107.1	112	64	59	27	39	0	107	3	0	0	468	90	5.66	1.407	9.4	2.3	3.3	9	2.74
19 Yrs	251	161	0.609	3.74	561	560	0	38	12	0	3577.1	3404	1623	1485	382	1099	44	3093	123	17	74	14989	116	3.78	1.259	8.6	1	2.8	7.8	2.81
162 Game Avg.	15	10	0.609	3.74	34	34	0	2	1	0	217	206	98	90	23	67	3	188	7	1	4	909	116	3.78	1.259	8.6	1	2.8	7.8	2.81
	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	ERA+	FIP	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9	SO/W

Postseason pitching

Year	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9	SO/W	WPA	cWPA
2001	1	0	1	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	6	6	2	2	0	5	1	5	0	0	0	28	1.833	9	0	7.5	7.5	1	0.08	0.80%
2007	1	0	1	5.4	1	1	0	0	0	0	5	4	3	3	2	6	1	5	0	0	0	24	2	7.2	3.6	10.8	9	0.83	0	-0.10%
2007	0	2	0	10.45	2	2	0	0	0	0	10.1	17	12	12	1	7	1	9	3	0	1	53	2.323	14.8	0.9	6.1	7.8	1.29	-0.39	-6.00%
2008	0	1	0	12.27	1	1	0	0	0	0	3.2	6	5	5	1	4	1	5	0	0	0	21	2.727	14.7	2.5	9.8	12.3	1.25	-0.35	-3.10%
2009	1	0	1	1.35	1	1	0	0	0	0	6.2	8	2	1	0	0	0	8	1	0	1	28	1.2	10.8	0	0	10.8		0.12	0.70%
2009 MVP	2	0	1	1.13	2	2	0	0	0	0	16	9	2	2	1	3	0	12	0	0	0	59	0.75	5.1	0.6	1.7	6.8	4	0.66	10.60%
2009	0	1	0	3.29	2	2	0	0	0	0	13.2	11	5	5	3	6	2	12	0	0	0	57	1.244	7.2	2	4	7.9	2	0.21	6.90%
2010	1	0	1	4.5	1	1	0	0	0	0	6	5	4	3	1	3	0	5	1	0	0	27	1.333	7.5	1.5	4.5	7.5	1.67	-0.24	-2.30%
2010	1	0	1	6.3	2	2	0	0	0	0	10	17	7	7	2	4	0	10	0	1	1	48	2.1	15.3	1.8	3.6	9	2.5	-0.08	-1.90%
2011	0	0		6.23	3	2	0	0	0	0	8.2	10	6	6	1	8	2	11	0	0	1	41	2.077	10.4	1	8.3	11.4	1.38	-0.3	-4.50%
2012	2	0	1	1.53	2	2	0	1	0	0	17.2	12	3	3	0	3	0	16	0	0	0	67	0.849	6.1	0	1.5	8.2	5.33	0.84	14.80%
2012	0	1	0	12.27	1	1	0	0	0	0	3.2	11	6	5	2	2	0	3	0	0	0	25	3.545	27	4.9	4.9	7.4	1.5	-0.25	-1.50%
2017	Did not pitch in series
2017	0	0		3.72	2	2	0	0	0	0	9.2	8	6	4	0	3	1	14	1	0	0	42	1.138	7.4	0	2.8	13	4.67	-0.11	-2.00%
2017	1	1	0.5	0.96	2	2	0	0	0	0	9.1	8	1	1	1	7	0	5	0	0	0	44	1.607	7.7	1	6.8	4.8	0.71	0.2	2.10%
2018	Did not pitch in series
2018	0	1	0	9	1	1	0	0	0	0	3	5	3	3	0	2	0	1	1	0	1	17	2.333	15	0	6	3	0.5	-0.17	-2.20%
2019	Did not pitch in series
2019	0	0		0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	5	0	0	0	0	0		0.06	0.90%
	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9	SO/W	WPA	cWPA
10 Yrs (16 Series)	10	7	0.588	4.28	26	23	0	1	0	0	130.1	137	67	62	15	63	9	121	8	1	5	586	1.535	9.5	1	4.4	8.4	1.92	0.29	13.20%
8 ALDS	6	1	0.857	3.59	12	11	0	1	0	0	62.2	58	29	25	4	30	5	65	4	0	3	274	1.404	8.3	0.6	4.3	9.3	2.17	0.23	5.40%
1 NLDS	0	1	0	12.27	1	1	0	0	0	0	3.2	6	5	5	1	4	1	5	0	0	0	21	2.727	14.7	2.5	9.8	12.3	1.25	-0.35	-3.10%
6 ALCS	4	4	0.5	4.83	11	9	0	0	0	0	50.1	62	28	27	7	23	1	39	4	1	2	234	1.689	11.1	1.3	4.1	7	1.7	0.21	4.10%
1 WS	0	1	0	3.29	2	2	0	0	0	0	13.2	11	5	5	3	6	2	12	0	0	0	57	1.244	7.2	2	4	7.9	2	0.21	6.90%

Career graph

All-Star Games	Awards	MVP (rank, share)	Cy Young (rank, share)
2003 2004 * 2007 * 2010 2011 2012	2007 AL Cy Young 2007 AL TSN Pitcher of the Year 2009 AL ALCS MVP	2007 AL (14, 3%) 2008 NL (6, 27%) 2009 AL (21, 1%) 2010 AL (13, 3%) 2011 AL (14, 3%) 0.37 Career Shares (599th)	2007 AL (1, 85%) 2008 NL (5, 6%) 2009 AL (4, 9%) 2010 AL (3, 52%) 2011 AL (4, 32%) 1 Cy Young 1.84 Career Shares (29th)
Monthly Awards	Weekly Awards	Futures Games	Wins Above Replacement
2001 July AL Rookie of the Month 2006 May AL Pitcher of the Month 2008 July NL Pitcher of the Month 2008 August NL Pitcher of the Month 2009 August AL Pitcher of the Month	2007 Jul 1st AL Player of the Week 2008 Jun 15th AL Player of the Week	2000	2007 AL 6.4 (7th) 2008 ML 7.2 (7th) 2009 AL 6.2 (10th) Career 62.3 (164th)
WAR for Pitchers	Earned Run Average	Wins	Win-Loss %
2006 AL 4.6 (8th) 2007 AL 6.3 (2nd) 2008 NL 4.9 (6th) 2009 AL 6.2 (3rd) 2010 AL 4.8 (8th) 2011 AL 6.4 (3rd) Career 61.8 (55th)	2003 AL 3.60 (10th) 2006 AL 3.22 (3rd) 2007 AL 3.21 (5th) 2009 AL 3.37 (4th) 2010 AL 3.18 (7th) 2011 AL 3.00 (9th) 2012 AL 3.38 (10th)	2001 AL 17 (6th) 2005 AL 15 (8th) 2007 AL 19 (2nd) 2008 ML 17 (8th) 2009 AL 19 (1st) 2010 AL 21 (1st) 2011 AL 19 (2nd) 2012 AL 15 (10th) 2013 AL 14 (8th) 2017 AL 14 (9th) Career 251 (47th)	2001 AL .773 (3rd) 2007 AL .731 (3rd) 2009 AL .704 (3rd) 2010 AL .750 (3rd) 2011 AL .704 (4th) 2012 AL .714 (3rd) 2017 AL .737 (4th) Career .609 (109th)
Walks & Hits per IP	Hits per 9 IP	Bases On Balls per 9 IP	Strikeouts per 9 IP
2006 AL 1.173 (4th) 2007 AL 1.141 (5th) 2009 AL 1.148 (4th) 2010 AL 1.191 (10th) 2012 AL 1.140 (6th)	2001 AL 7.436 (1st) 2004 AL 8.426 (9th) 2005 AL 8.466 (8th) 2006 AL 8.502 (6th) 2009 AL 7.709 (3rd)	2007 AL 1.382 (2nd) 2012 AL 1.980 (4th)	2001 AL 8.534 (4th) 2005 AL 7.368 (6th) 2006 AL 8.035 (6th) 2007 AL 7.805 (9th) 2009 AL 7.709 (9th) 2011 AL 8.722 (6th) 2012 AL 8.865 (6th) Career 7.781 (100th)
Innings Pitched	Strikeouts	Games Started	Complete Games
2007 AL 241.0 (1st) 2008 ML 253.0 (1st) 2009 AL 230.0 (4th) 2010 AL 237.7 (2nd) 2011 AL 237.3 (4th) Career 3,577.3 (64th)	2001 AL 171 (7th) 2002 AL 149 (10th) 2005 AL 161 (7th) 2006 AL 172 (8th) 2007 AL 209 (5th) 2008 ML 251 (2nd) 2009 AL 197 (7th) 2010 AL 197 (6th) 2011 AL 230 (2nd) 2012 AL 197 (7th) Career 3,093 (18th)	2002 AL 33 (7th) 2007 AL 34 (1st) 2008 ML 35 (1st) 2009 AL 34 (2nd) 2010 AL 34 (1st) 2011 AL 33 (6th) Career 560 (28th)	2006 AL 6 (1st) 2007 AL 4 (2nd) 2008 NL 7 (1st) 2008 AL 3 (3rd) 2009 AL 2 (9th) 2012 AL 2 (10th) 2013 AL 2 (9th)
Shutouts	Home Runs	Bases on Balls	Hits
2003 AL 1 (6th) 2004 AL 1 (4th) 2006 AL 2 (1st) 2007 AL 1 (5th) 2008 NL 3 (1st) 2008 AL 2 (1st) 2009 AL 1 (7th) 2011 AL 1 (8th)	2013 AL 28 (6th) 2015 AL 28 (6th) Career 382 (18th)	2001 AL 95 (2nd) 2002 AL 88 (2nd) 2010 AL 74 (9th) Career 1,099 (77th)	2007 AL 238 (3rd) 2008 ML 223 (8th) 2010 AL 209 (8th) 2011 AL 230 (2nd) 2013 AL 224 (4th) Career 3,404 (80th)
Strikeouts / Base On Balls	Home Runs per 9 IP	Losses	Earned Runs
2006 AL 3.909 (5th) 2007 AL 5.649 (1st) 2011 AL 3.770 (6th) 2012 AL 4.477 (1st) Career 2.814 (109th)	2002 AL 0.729 (7th) 2005 AL 0.869 (8th) 2006 AL 0.794 (8th) 2007 AL 0.747 (9th) 2009 AL 0.704 (3rd) 2011 AL 0.645 (5th)	2013 AL 13 (7th) 2016 AL 12 (8th) Career 161 (118th)	2002 AL 102 (7th) 2013 AL 112 (1st) Career 1,485 (42nd)
Hit By Pitch	Batters Faced	Adjusted ERA+	Fielding Independent Pitching
2007 AL 8 (10th) 2009 AL 9 (8th) 2016 AL 9 (5th) 2018 AL 11 (10th) Career 123 (49th)	2007 AL 975 (1st) 2008 ML 1,023 (1st) 2009 AL 938 (4th) 2010 AL 970 (2nd) 2011 AL 985 (1st) 2013 AL 908 (5th) Career 14,989 (66th)	2003 AL 122 (10th) 2006 AL 139 (3rd) 2007 AL 141 (5th) 2009 AL 137 (4th) 2010 AL 136 (5th) 2011 AL 143 (6th) 2012 AL 125 (8th) Career 116 (213th)	2005 AL 3.69 (4th) 2006 AL 3.30 (3rd) 2007 AL 3.14 (2nd) 2009 AL 3.39 (6th) 2010 AL 3.54 (10th) 2011 AL 2.88 (2nd) 2012 AL 3.33 (7th)
Adj. Pitching Runs	Adj. Pitching Wins	Base-Out Runs Saved (RE24)	Win Probability Added (WPA)
2006 AL 24 (8th) 2007 AL 35 (3rd) 2008 NL 36 (3rd) 2009 AL 29 (4th) 2010 AL 28 (3rd) 2011 AL 32 (3rd) Career 226 (71st)	2006 AL 2.4 (7th) 2007 AL 3.5 (3rd) 2008 NL 4.0 (3rd) 2009 AL 3.0 (4th) 2010 AL 3.0 (3rd) 2011 AL 3.4 (3rd) Career 23.5 (70th)	2006 AL 26.82 (9th) 2007 AL 38.34 (1st) 2008 NL 34.36 (3rd) 2009 AL 30.18 (6th) 2010 AL 29.97 (3rd) 2011 AL 34.82 (4th) Career 253.98 (54th)	2007 AL 3.7 (7th) 2008 NL 3.3 (7th) 2010 AL 3.3 (6th) Career 22.8 (88th)
Sit. Wins Saved (WPA/LI)	Championship WPA (cWPA)	Base-Out Wins Saved (REW)	Assists as P
2007 AL 3.2 (4th) 2008 NL 3.4 (4th) 2009 AL 3.2 (6th) 2010 AL 2.8 (6th) 2011 AL 3.2 (4th) 2012 AL 2.1 (8th) Career 22.7 (68th)	2007 AL 2.9 (4th) 2008 NL 5.6 (2nd) 2010 AL 2.4 (3rd) 2011 AL 2.7 (7th) Career 17.6 (173rd)	2006 AL 2.7 (9th) 2007 AL 3.9 (1st) 2008 NL 3.9 (3rd) 2009 AL 3.0 (6th) 2010 AL 3.1 (5th) 2011 AL 3.6 (4th) Career 26.3 (53rd)	2013 AL 30 (4th)
Errors Committed as P	Double Plays Turned as P	Fielding % as P	Salary
2006 AL 3 (4th) 2016 AL 4 (2nd) 2018 AL 3 (3rd)	2008 NL 4 (2nd)	2004 AL 1.000 (1st) 2009 AL 1.000 (1st) 2012 AL 1.000 (1st)	2009 AL $15,285,714 (8th) 2010 AL $24,285,714 (2nd) 2011 AL $24,285,714 (3rd) 2012 AL $23,000,000 (2nd) 2013 AL $23,000,000 (2nd) 2014 AL $23,000,000 (3rd) 2015 AL $23,000,000 (8th) 2016 AL $25,000,000 (6th) 2017 AL $25,000,000 (7th)
Oldest	Youngest
2018 AL born 1980-07-21 (9th) 2019 AL born 1980-07-21 (6th)	2001 AL born 1980-07-21 (1st) 2002 AL born 1980-07-21 (9th)

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