When mentioning CC Sabathia, people immediately think of the image of a “giant” on the pitcher’s mound: nearly 2 meters tall, a massive body and cold eyes. But behind that seemingly indomitable appearance, there is a man who has fallen, shed tears – and then stood up stronger than ever.
Hidden Pain
In 2015, right before the important playoff round, Sabathia stunned the entire baseball world when he announced that he had to leave the team and enter an alcohol rehab facility.
That decision, as Sabathia himself later recounted, came from a morning when he woke up and “couldn’t see himself in the mirror anymore.” The pressure of competition, a knee injury and the fear of not being himself had drowned him in alcohol for months.
When talking to his teammates, Sabathia choked up:
“I’m sorry… I have to find my true self, because I owe it to my family and to you guys.”
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Back – stronger and more compassionate
Sabathia returned to the Yankees’ pitching mound the following year, not only as a pitcher, but also as a mentor to the younger players. He often stood next to Luis Severino or Domingo Germán, showing them how to face the pressure of the Bronx crowd.
And Sabathia himself confessed: what made him happiest was not the wins, but seeing his younger teammates gradually mature, overcoming the fear he had experienced.
More Than a Title
CC Sabathia retired in 2019 with a remarkable career: more than 3,000 strikeouts, a 2009 World Series championship with the Yankees, six All-Star appearances…
But what makes him most beloved in the Bronx isn’t the stats: it’s the story of a man who fell down, dared to admit his weaknesses, and bravely moved on – and then helped others find themselves.
Because after all, sports aren’t just about winning, it’s about getting up after losing… and holding hands with teammates to keep going.