Today, CC Sabathia celebrates his 35th birthday.
Formally known as Carsten Charles Sabathia, the now 35-year-old has been pitching in the big leagues for 15 seasons now, spending parts of his career with the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and currently the New York Yankees.
Throughout his career so far, the former 1998 first round draft pick has posted a 212-127 record with a 3.69 ERA. The lefty has been selected to six All Star teams, and was awarded the American League Cy Young Award in 2007 as a member of the Cleveland Indians.
Sabathia’s career started in Cleveland, where he broke out as one of the game’s top pitchers, winning 10+ games in each of his first seven seasons with the club. Not only was Sabathia dominant on the mound, but did we mention he could hit as well?
As the Indians fell out of contention during the 2008 season and feared that they would be unable to sign their ace after the season was over, the club traded Sabathia to Milwaukee for three prospects, including Matt LaPorta, the club’s top prospect at the time.
With the Brewers fighting for a playoff spot that season, Sabathia came in and dominated, posting an 11-2 record with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts, helping the club clinch the National League Wild Card, the team’s first playoff berth in 26 years.
The Brewers fell short in 2008, and Sabathia hit the free agent market. On December 18, 2008, Sabathia found a new home, signing a seven-year, $161 million dollar contract with the Yankees.
After a 19-8 regular season in his first season in pinstripes, Sabathia was a major part of the Yankees World Series championship run during the 2009 postseason. The left-hander went 3-1 during that postseason run, including two wins in the American League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Angels, which earned him the ALCS MVP award.
During his six-plus seasons in pinstripes, Sabathia has posted a 95-54 record with a 3.73 ERA in 187 starts. Throughout his first five seasons in the Bronx, the 35-year-old won at least 14 games each season, as he truly served as the team’s ace for the majority of his Yankees career.
Take a look at some highlights from Sabathia’s career in pinstripes so far:
Even though his production on the mound hasn’t been the same in the last few seasons, Sabathia has played a big part in the franchise’s success during his tenure with the team. Currently in 2015, Sabathia has posted a 4-8 record with a 5.25 ERA, and although luck hasn’t been on his side for most of the season, the veteran has pitched much better as of late.
The Bronx Pinstripes team would like to wish CC Sabathia a happy birthday! Continue to follow Bronx Pinstripes for all the latest news and updates surrounding the New York Yankees.
