CC Sabathia reflected on a remarkable journey Friday as the New York Yankees retired his No. 52 jersey in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium. The milestone honored Sabathia’s 11-season tenure with the club, during which he played a pivotal role in securing the Yankees’ 27th World Series championship in 2009 and earned three All-Star selections.

Sabathia, a first-ballot Hall of Famer inducted in 2025 with 86.8 percent of the vote, recounted the early apprehension he felt about joining the Yankees. Prior to signing, he was wary of the pressures associated with playing in New York City, having witnessed other players struggle to adapt. However, a personal visit from then-General Manager Brian Cashman, who expressed confidence in Sabathia’s ability to transform the clubhouse, was a decisive factor in his commitment to the team.

“That conversation was the reason I ended up signing,” Sabathia said, reflecting on the moment Cashman visited him and his wife, Amber, at home following their initial meeting at the winter meetings in Las Vegas.

Over his tenure with the Yankees, Sabathia amassed 132 wins, maintained a 3.81 earned run average (ERA), and recorded 1,700 strikeouts, becoming a fan favorite and respected teammate. The pitcher’s impact extended beyond statistics, contributing to the culture and success of the team during a critical era.

The retirement ceremony featured several prominent figures from Sabathia’s career, including video tributes from Jorge Posada, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, and former Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Current and former teammates such as Derek Jeter, Dellin Betances, Andy Pettitte, and Chris Young also participated in the festivities. Sabathia’s family, including his wife Amber, mother Margie, and two of his children, were present to share in the occasion.

In recognition of his contributions, Sabathia received a commemorative blue blazer, a framed plaque bearing his retired number, and a career ring. He then threw out the ceremonial first pitch, handing the ball to his son Carsten, who is a first baseman in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league system.

Sabathia became the fifth member of the 2009 World Series championship team to have his number retired by the Yankees, joining Jeter, Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Posada. Reflecting on the significance of the honor, Sabathia described the experience as “incredible” and “surreal,” noting that the ceremony felt even more meaningful than his Hall of Fame induction.

“I never envisioned myself going into Monument Park,” Sabathia said. “That was the reason why I was so scared to come here — because you don’t ever think you’re going to win the Yankee fans over or the city over. So to be able to be sitting here now, playing here 11 years, is an incredible feeling.”