CC Sabathia appears set on retirement.
Ahead of the Yankees' regular-season home finale against the Blue Jays on Sunday, the veteran lefty was honored with a pregame ceremony at Yankee Stadium commemorating his illustrious 19-year career.
Us too. #LegaCCy pic.twitter.com/Uvd9uf2W7o
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2019
Heart
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2019
Of a
Family.#LegaCCy pic.twitter.com/oU5b9mTTaX
"This is the first time I got emotional," Sabathia said, via MLB.com. "I don't know why, but for whatever reason, just seeing my kids and how much they loved the game, being around the park. We're definitely going to miss it."
Since he's taken on the role of "bullpen guy" that he called both "exciting" and "nerve-wracking" at the end of this season, Sabathia was asked if he could see himself returning to the Yankees in a similar role next season.
"Come back and play? Helllllllllllllllllll no," Sabathia said, per The Athletic.
As for his Hall of Fame chances, Sabathia is feeling pretty confident.
"This year I have been. Everybody's talking about it. I've seen all the parties and stuff. I love parties, so it would be fun to get in," he added.
Sabathia, who has a career 3.74 ERA and overall record of 251-161 over stints with the Indians, Brewers and Yankees, is expected to make the first regular-season relief appearance of his career on Tuesday in the first of two games against the Rays. He has only one relief appearance in his career as he pitched 1 1/3 innings against the Tigers in Game 5 of the 2011 ALDS.
The Yankees will then wrap up regular-season play on the road against the Rangers beginning Friday.