Former Yankees ace CC Sabathia has a new role in the commissioner’s office.
The league announced on Wednesday afternoon that Sabathia has been named a special assistant to commissioner Rob Manfred, in a “new role developed specifically for him that will address areas important to the future of the sport, including player relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, social responsibility, youth participation and broadcasting.”
“We are excited to have CC Sabathia join the Commissioner’s Office to work on some of our most important initiatives,” said Manfred. “We welcome CC’s positive energy, strong character, creative mind, and civic-minded approach in building on our efforts to strengthen the game, diversify the sport, and give back to the community. CC has a powerful voice in Baseball and we value the perspective he will bring to our office.”
Per the league’s release, Sabathia -- who will be working out of the league's Manhattan headquarters -- will be “a liaison between MLB and active Major League players to collaborate on special efforts to help grow, and promote equity within, the game of baseball.”
“I’m looking forward to sharing my viewpoint as a former Major League player with the Commissioner’s Office,” said Sabathia. “I want to be able to continue to give back to the game that I love so much. This new role gives me the opportunity to continue the work I’m passionate about, be an advocate for players and be able to contribute to the decision-making process of the league office after 19 years on the field. I can’t wait to get started.”
A six-time All-Star and the AL Cy Young winner in 2007, Sabathia played 19 years in the big leagues, including 11 seasons with the Yankees.
During his tenure in pinstripes, Sabathia earned three All-Star nods, finished in the top four of Cy Young voting three times and won 134 regular season games while helping lead the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009.