CC Sabathia is currently in his 16th season in Major League baseball and does not plan on stopping that number from growing anytime soon.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated Now on Monday, the veteran pitcher said he wants to continue playing and that he feels like he “could do this a couple more years.”
Sabathia has been a warrior his entire career. He has bounced back from scrutiny with injuries and alcohol issues to become a viable starter once again this season.
The bounce-back season has given Sabathia even more of a reason to return next year. “I’mma make them tear the jersey off my back, I want to play as long as I can,” said Sabathia. “As long as I am healthy and I can do my job well.”
Health has been the major question mark with Sabathia. The 35-year-old has missed parts of the last three seasons with various injuries, including this season.
In 2016, CC has pitched to a 5-7 record and holds an ERA of 3.94. In 93 innings, he has allowed only seven home runs. He is on pace to allow the fewest long balls over an entire season in his career.
When asked about the possibility of a farewell tour after his career is over, he did not shy away from it.
“You’re a special player if you can go out on your own terms and have everybody celebrate you going out,” said Sabathia. “I watched Jeet go through it, I watched Mo go through it, it’s just fun to be a part of. So yeah, of course, I would love that.”
Sabathia has put together 219 wins over his career, a career that he has spent half of his time in New York with.
Sabathia has a vesting option for 2017 with the Yankees.
