Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia shares note from a Boston fan highlighting rivalry and respect for his hallowed career

Former New York Yankees star CC Sabathia recently tweeted a photo of a note he received from a Boston Red Sox fan. In the note, the fan showed his respect for Sabathia and his pitching abilities.

"As a Red Sox fan I wanted to boo you. But as a baseball fan, you were a hell of a pitcher," the note read.

"Respect Red Sox nation," CC Sabathia responded.

The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is one of the fiercest in the history of baseball. Games between the two teams receive extensive media coverage and are the most-watched in the MLB each season. There have also been plenty of instances of violence between fans of the two teams.

The rivalry began in 1919, after Red Sox owner Harry Frazee traded star player Babe Ruth to the Yankees and the team went 86 years without a World Series victory. This gave rise to the superstition known as the "Curse of the Bambino."

CC Sabathia spent 19 seasons in MLB, playing primarily for the Yankees. Sabathia earned the Warren Spahn Award three straight times and was chosen as an All-Star six times throughout his career. He played his last game for the Yankees in 2019. He also had stints with the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers.

---

CC Sabathia detailed racist experiences in Boston

In 2017, Sabathia claimed he was subjected to racist taunts while playing in Boston.

"I've never been called the N word anywhere but in Boston," he was quoted as saying by ESPN.

He credited former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones for bringing the matter to light.

"I'm glad that [Jones] spoke up and said something about it," Sabathia said. "I think it's disgusting."