CC Sabathia
AP Photo

New York Yankees left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia raves about his return to Cleveland for the All-Star Game festivities.

It’s the final season for longtime MLB left-hander CC Sabathia. Currently a member of the New York Yankees, Sabathia did begin his career with the Cleveland Indians and pitched for them from 2001-2008.

Being that the All-Star Game festivities are in Cleveland this year, Sabathia will return to the old city he played for and be honored. He didn’t make this year’s American League roster, but he’ll still be a memorable part of this year’s All-Star Break.

And now that he’s arrived, Sabathia has raved to reporters about how his return to Cleveland has been thus far.

“This is an incredible experience,” Sabathia told Andy Martino, per Scott Thompson of SNY. “When Alex [Cora] called me and just had me considered to be able to come here, I was just honored. I never thought about myself in this light, I guess, and to have the MLB want to recognize me and bring me here to the All-Star Game is incredible and awesome for my family. We’re all excited to be back where it all started.

“Getting here today was sentimental just thinking about — you know, I started here. I pulled up here around this time, 21 years ago I was 17 years old and didn’t know what the future was going to hold. To be able to be here now 19 years later in the big leagues is amazing.”

Sabathia this year has reached 3,000 strikeouts and 250 wins for his career. Both are phenomenal milestones, and will surely propel him into Cooperstown one day.

Thus far in 2019, Sabathia is 5-4 with an ERA of 4.03 through 14 starts. The Yankees will be in a good spot coming out of the All-Star Break, as they’re 26 games above .500. They lead AL East division, currently sitting at 6.5 games above the Tampa Bay Rays.

Despite not playing in the All-Star Game, this will surely be a memorable experience and sendoff for a memorable starting pitcher.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.