SABATHIA, BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE & A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

Some Yankees become favorites because of what they do on the field. CC Sabathia was that guy from the moment he put on pinstripes. He took the ball, carried the pressure, and helped bring a championship back to the Bronx.

But at Bleeding Yankee Blue, our connection to CC and Amber Sabathia became more personal than a box score.

BYB was still young when the Sabathias gave us their time HERE. That was our interview from 2013. We talked about baseball, of course. We also talked about their family, their work helping kids through the PitCCh In Foundation, and how much New York had come to mean to them. They let our readers see the people behind the famous name.

At the end, we asked Amber if they read Bleeding Yankee Blue. She said yes and thanked us for the support. That was a huge moment for us. We were building this place one story and one reader at a time, and the Sabathias knew we were there. 

We will always love this clip of CC speaking about BYB to a reporter years ago is another reminder of that connection. Their generosity toward a growing fan site is something I’ve never forgotten.

We’ve been rooting for the Sabathias ever since. CC gave Yankees fans a pitcher they could count on, but he and Amber also showed us why they were so easy to admire as people. That’s why this honor feels personal to BYB.

Now No. 52 has been retired, and CC has a plaque in Monument Park. The rest of the baseball world sees a Hall of Famer getting the recognition he earned. I see that, too. I also think back to a Christmas morning, an interview we were proud to share, and a family that made time for Bleeding Yankee Blue when we were finding our way.

That’s full circle. Congratulations, CC. You and Amber have always been part of the BYB family. Love you guys!