New York Yankees legend CC Sabathia will have his No. 52 retired, an honor that places him in the exclusive Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Sabathia, who joined the Yankees in 2009 and helped them win a World Series, expressed that this recognition is a "shock" and more unexpected than his Hall of Fame induction.
"When you first show up in New York, you see all the numbers. You understand Monument Park, but you never think you can get there," Sabathia told Fox News Digital. "To be able to actually have that come to fruition after 11 years and see that my number is going to be there and be retired, it’s more of a shock than going into the Hall of Fame."
Sabathia, a three-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner, achieved significant milestones with the Yankees, including a career 3.81 ERA over 307 starts and surpassing 1,700 strikeouts. He cherished his time in the Bronx, embracing the energy of the city and its dedicated fan base.
Reflecting on his career, Sabathia recalled his first experience walking through Monument Park as a young player, unaware of the immense journey ahead. He emphasized the accountability instilled by Yankees fans, a trait he values deeply.
Sabathia hopes his plaque will reflect his commitment: "He left everything out there. He was the ultimate teammate and literally left everything out there every time he took the ball."