“CC Sabathia changed the way I managed” - Joe Girardi on why the ex-Yankees ace deserves first-ballot Hall of Fame induction

On Friday, former MLB player and manager Joe Girardi talked about why CC Sabathia deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Girardi was Sabathia's skipper for eight years during their time with the New York Yankees, a stint that yielded a World Series title.

Speaking on MLB Network Radio, Girardi argued Sabathia's case, reminiscing on how it was often a light day at the office for the Yankees bullpen whenever he was on the mound.

"CC Sabathia to me is definitely a hall of famer," Girardi said. "19 seasons, over 3,500 innings, 251 wins, over 3,000 strikeouts — are there 19 pitchers that have over 3,000 strikeouts? Here's what I love about CC Sabathia: CC Sabathia changed the way I managed the game the day before and the day after because I didn't plan on using my bullpen much the day CC pitched, I didn't plan on using the left-handers.

"So, I could be more aggressive the day before with my bullpen knowing that I would not need much the day CC pitched, and I knew I could be more aggressive the day after because most of those guys were getting a day off."

Girardi added that Sabathia is well-loved and respected by his former teammates. He then discussed how Sabathia worked hard when he dealt with some knee issues.

"I think if you were to ask people that CC played with, most of them would say he was the greatest teammate they ever played with. Just a fantastic person in the clubhouse, a fantastic guy on the mound, always protected his own," Girardi said (0:52).

"You can tell I love CC, absolutely loved managing him. Even when he was going through some of his issues with his knee, that guy would grind and fight, and he found a way to get it done. I was absolutely impressed. You look at his 251 wins, a lot of the time he was matching up against the other team's No. 1 (starter). 10-7 in the postseason, pretty darn good."

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CC Sabathia included on Hall of Fame ballot for first time in 2025

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, one of the requirements a player has to fulfill is to receive 75% or more votes from members of the Baseball Writer's Association of America. Debuting on the 2025 edition of the ballot is former starting pitcher CC Sabathia.

CC Sabathia in action against the Los Angeles Angels - Source: Getty

In his time in the big leagues, Sabathia played for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees. The lefty earned six All-Star caps, along with an AL Cy Young award and an AL MVP award.

Having enjoyed a long and successful career and recording over 250 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, there is a solid chance that we'll see Sabathia in Cooperstown in July.