New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia posted a farewell message on Twitter on Monday as he retired after 19 years in the major leagues.
“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,” he wrote.
“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 39-year-old Sabathia, who announced before the season that this would be his last, made his final appearance in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. Pitching in relief last Thursday night, he suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder and left the game to a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium.
Sabathia was replaced on the roster and would have been ineligible for the World Series if the Yankees had advanced. The Houston Astros closed out the series in six games.
Sabathia finished his career with a 251-161 record for the Indians, Brewers and Yankees. He had a lifetime 3.74 ERA with 3,093 strikeouts in 3,577 1/3 innings.
The winner of the 2007 AL Cy Young Award, Sabathia was a six-time All-Star and part of the 2009 Yankees team that won the World Series.
