New York Yankees left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia perceives reaching 250 career wins on Wednesday as a “big deal.”
On Wednesday, the New York Yankees finished out the series sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 12-1 victory. The win puts the Yankees at a 3.5-game lead atop the AL East division.
However, the win on Wednesday was more than just a routine victory for the Bombers. It happened to be CC Sabathia‘s 250th win of his long career.
In six innings of work, Sabathia allowed only three hits, and one earned run. He struck out seven and walked three in the process. Sabathia now becomes the 48th pitcher in MLB history to reach 250 wins in a career. He also becomes the 14th pitcher in history to reach 250 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.
When it comes to the milestone, Sabathia didn’t take it lightly.
“It’s crazy to put my name up there with some of those guys that I idolize, and some of those names that are enshrined in baseball history,” Sabathia said, per Coley Harvey of ESPN. “To be part of that, it’s a big deal.”
Of the 14 guys on that list of 250 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, Sabathia becomes only the third African-American. He joins the likes of Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Fergie Jenkins.
“That means a lot, being an African American pitcher, being from the inner city, and wanting this game to grow and getting back in the inner city,” Sabathia said. “Having a chance to put up these numbers and let some of these kids know that I’m from where they’re from, and I love this game of baseball, hopefully it’ll open some doors for some kids and open their eyes to start playing the game.”
Sabathia is in the final year of his career, as he’ll call it quits when the season ends. A magnificent career for CC is an understatement. He will have a strong case for the Hall of Fame when his career is over.
