CC Sabathia’s heading to Cooperstown wearing pinstripes on his plaque. The newly elected Hall of Famer made it clear Tuesday that he wants to represent the New York Yankees when he’s inducted this summer.
“The Yankees was the place that wanted me,” Sabathia said. “I’ve been here now 16 years. I love the other organizations…but this is home. I found a home in The Bronx and I don’t think I’ll ever leave this city.”
It’s not hard to see why he feels that way.
The big lefty spent 11 seasons in New York – more than his time with Cleveland and Milwaukee combined. He racked up 134 of his 251 career wins in pinstripes, and grabbed that precious World Series ring in 2009 as a Yankee.
The numbers back up his choice too. His time in New York produced a 29.4 WAR, beating out his impressive 27.5 WAR with Cleveland and 4.5 with the Brewers.
But here’s the thing – it’s not actually Sabathia’s decision to make.
The Hall of Fame gets the final say on which logo goes on the plaque. Jon Shestakofsky, their VP of communications, explains they work with each player to “reach an appropriate conclusion that accurately reflects the new electee’s career in the game.”
Don’t worry though, Yankees fans. Given Sabathia’s stellar career in the Bronx and his clear preference, it’s pretty much a lock that he’ll be wearing that famous NY when his plaque goes up this summer.
Cleveland fans can take comfort knowing their team will get a mention too – after all, they’re the ones who drafted him back in ’98. And those few months he spent dominating for Milwaukee in 2008? That’ll make the plaque as well. The Hall makes sure every stop in a player’s journey gets recognized in the text.
But for CC, it’s all about the Yankees. That’s where he found his home, and that’s how baseball will remember him.
