It has been known for months now, but the Yankees had an official press conference where veteran LHP CC Sabathia announced that 2019 will be his final season in the MLB.
This season will be Sabathia's 19th year in the MLB, and to have the great career he's been able to put together over that time, there are a lot of people to give thanks to. During his opening comments, he started with his mother.
"I just wanted to make this announcement that 2019 will be my final season," Sabathia began. "I want to obviously thank a lot of people. I wouldn't be here today, 18 years in the big leagues without so many different people. But I want to start with my mom. She couldn't be here today, but her sacrificing so much for me as a kid to be able to get to this point to live out my dream."
He then acknowledged his family, who sat next to him during the press conference. That was followed by him thanking the Yankees, the team he decided to sign with back in 2008 as the top free agent on the market.
"The Yankees, the Steinbrenner family: Thank you guys for believing in me in 2008," he said. "[It was] enough to bring me here and [GM Brian] Cash[man] convincing me. This was the perfect place for me to play and it's been nothing but great for me in the community, on the field in the Bronx. Just all around it's been great for everybody that's been sitting here at this table. So thank you guys so much.
"My teammates, past and present, you guys mean so much to me. All I ever wanted was for people to remember me as a good teammate. It means a lot to me for you guys to be sitting here today. I know you guys are tired, had a bunch of stuff to do today, but thank you guys for being here."
So what's next for Sabathia? Well, he still has a season ahead of him, and that will be his main priority for now. After he hangs his cleats up, though, don't expect him to start coaching.
"Umm...no," Sabathia said with a laugh. "I would definitely love to be around the organization and come in here to Spring Training and help these guys out in different things. But, as far as the travel and the coaches, what they go through and the demand that they have helping us out, I just see the hours that they put in and it's a lot of work. You know, I want to relax."
"You weren't born yet, you were a World Series baby. Just a heads up guys!"
- SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2019
CC's wife has jokes. pic.twitter.com/DRc0P45SnX
Before he can relax, Sabathia will be working hard to produce another solid season in his final run. Manager Aaron Boone told SNY's Andy Martino that things will be a "slow play" regarding Sabathia progress in Spring Training after he went through an angioplasty this offseason.
But, just as he has since 2001 when he debuted with the Indians, Sabathia will be giving his all this season in hopes of hoisting the World Series trophy again.
"I look forward to 2019 being a championship season for us, me going out and giving everything I have and leaving it all out on the field."