NEW YORK – Former Major Leaguer CC Sabathia acknowledged that he was tired – but in a good way.
It has been a whirlwind ever since the Baseball Hall of Fame announced last January that Sabathia would be enshrined in Cooperstown. He did more than make public appearances to talk about his brilliant career on the mound; He spent a lot of time trying his best to help the needy.
Sabathia did a little bit of both on Monday night at the American Museum of Natural History. He hosted the star-studded LegaCCY Gala benefitting the PitCCh In Foundation. The black-tie event honored Sabathia’s career and legacy – both on and off the field. Proceeds from the event benefited his foundation.
The foundation, which started in 2008, hosts multiple initiatives throughout the year in Cleveland, the New York tri-state area and Sabathia’s hometown of Vallejo, Calif., to enrich the lives of inner-city children through education and athletics.
“We started with the kids in the Bronx at the Madison [Square] Boys and Girls club,” Sabathia said. “Being able to watch those kids come through every year to our backpack giveaways and our Christmas caravan and watching kids go from kindergarten to 12th grade … has been fulfilling for me. They graduate and become counselors.”
The gala was a star-studded event that included fellow Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, Gerrit Cole and Prince Fielder. Jeter has been impressed by what Sabathia has accomplished during the last 17 years.
“CC is like a brother to me,” Jeter said. “On the heels of him getting into the Hall of Fame, I thought it was important to be here for him. He has done a lot of great work in the community. I support him every time I get a chance.”
On Tuesday, Sabathia will have his fifth annual Golf Classic. It’s a charitable tournament benefiting the foundation hosted at Alpine Country Club in Demarest, N.J. The event will bring together athletes, entertainers, and influencers for a day of golf, on-course contests and activations, gourmet food and refreshments, luxury gift bags, and a post-tournament cocktail reception and awards ceremony.
The Yankees already showed on Sunday how they feel about the foundation by donating $250,000 in recognition of Sabathia’s Hall of Fame induction.
“It’s just another incredible gesture by the Yankees,” Sabathia said. “Since I’ve been here, it has been nothing but family and support. That was another great gesture.”