On Tuesday, CC Sabathia received a tremendous honor, one he sees as a significant responsibility, hoping that the influence of his Hall of Fame induction will last for generations.

Sabathia was an overwhelmingly strong choice for the Hall of Fame, earning 86.8% of the votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, joining fellow inductees Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner. This honor, however, is far more than just a plaque in Cooperstown, New York.

He made history as only the third Black pitcher (in addition to past Negro Leaguers) to be voted into the Hall of Fame in 44 years, following in the footsteps of Bob Gibson and Fergie Jenkins. Sabathia expressed his wish that Jim “Mudcat” Grant were still alive to witness this milestone. Grant played a significant role in Sabathia’s life and was part of the “Black Aces,” a group of only 15 Black pitchers who achieved a 20-win season.

“I had the opportunity to meet Mudcat Grant early in my career,” Sabathia shared. “I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to win 20 games as a Black pitcher. He made sure I understood the significance of that achievement.”

Jenkins, who met Sabathia in 2022 when the Chicago Cubs honored him with a statue outside Wrigley Field, called Sabathia on Tuesday to express the importance of this achievement for all Black pitchers.

“This is very significant,” Jenkins remarked, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991, a decade after Gibson. “When I joined the Phillies, there were only nine Black pitchers in all of baseball. Sadly, that number hasn’t greatly increased today. It’s wonderful to see this happen.”

Last season, only six Black starting pitchers were on opening day rosters in Major League Baseball, prompting MLB to initiate programs and camps aimed at recruiting more Black pitchers and catchers into the sport.

“This is a monumental moment for Black pitchers as a whole,” said Dave Stewart, who won 20 games for four straight seasons and is one of the seven living members of the Black Aces. “When there’s such a standard of excellence, it compels teams and scouts to seek out more Black pitchers. They can’t overlook them anymore.”

“Those who came before me opened doors for me and others, and now CC has the chance to pave the way for future generations of Black pitchers.”

Sabathia, one of the only three left-handed pitchers to reach at least 250 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, was not only recognized as one of the best pitchers of his time, but he was also admired by teammates and competitors for his leadership qualities.

He became a local legend in Milwaukee after being traded to the Brewers in July 2008. Sabathia posted an impressive record of 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA over 17 starts, guiding the Brewers to their first playoff appearance in 26 years. He remarkably pitched three consecutive games on just three days’ rest, putting his health at risk just a month away from free agency.

“It was the most selfless performance I’ve ever witnessed,” said former Brewers GM Doug Melvin. “He put our organization and fans on a level of excitement that was unprecedented by thinking beyond his own free agency.”

Sabathia added, “This was more about the team. I told them I’d pitch as much as they needed me to. …

“My time in Milwaukee was incredibly special. I thought I left a mark, but Milwaukee left a lasting one on me.”

Sabathia was known as a modern-day workhorse, recording more innings (3,577⅓) than any other pitcher during his career, with eight seasons of 200 or more innings pitched. In 2007-2008, he pitched an astounding 494 innings, and he consistently finished in the top five of Cy Young voting for five consecutive years.

“The key factor for CC was his mindset,” said former Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte. “He had a tenacious approach, sometimes not caring for his own health, and he wanted the ball every opportunity he had. He was a true warrior on the mound, and that mentality is quite rare.”

His legendary status among Yankees teammates was solidified on September 27, 2018, during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. After a 93-mph fastball aimed at Yankees catcher Austin Romine’s head, Sabathia, a close friend of Romine, was furious. Despite Romine’s pleas, knowing that Sabathia was just two innings shy of a contract incentive worth $500,000, Sabathia retaliated by throwing at Jesus Sucre with a pitch of 92.5 mph, his fastest of the game, resulting in an immediate ejection—showing he valued loyalty over money. (The Yankees later covered the bonus regardless).

“For me, it was simply about protecting my teammates,” Sabathia explained.

This spirit was evident throughout his career, as his accolades include 251 wins, 3,093 strikeouts, six All-Star selections, a Cy Young award, and a World Series title, but it was his character that made him one of the most respected players of his generation.

“CC was an outstanding competitor, teammate, and leader who represented the heart and soul of our team and this city,” said two-time MVP Aaron Judge. “He led by example with courage, resilience, and integrity, giving everything he had on the field. As a teammate, he was the glue that bonded us all, celebrating our achievements and supporting us through tough times.”

“His impact stretches beyond his statistics, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the chance to play alongside him,” added Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.

Sabathia, who grew up cheering for the Oakland A’s and first attended a professional game at the Oakland Coliseum, faced numerous challenges as he grew up in Vallejo, California. He dealt with maturity issues early in his Cleveland career while also battling alcoholism, which he later chronicled in a book about his experiences.

“I think most people are aware of my journey,” Sabathia noted, “the challenges I faced coming from Vallejo. I’m extremely proud of my background and how far I’ve come.”

And the Bay Area is equally proud of him.

“This is so well-deserved, man,” remarked Stewart, who was raised in Oakland. “There’s a deeper story to be told about his struggles with alcoholism and his overall journey. He’s from the Bay Area. Now look at his achievements. He’s a role model, leaving a legacy that will endure.”

Sabathia, whose Hall of Fame plaque will feature a Yankees cap, emphasizes that he will always remember where he came from. He reminisced about the joy of discovering baseball as an A’s fan, particularly while watching Rickey Henderson. He still finds it hard to believe he will be inducted alongside Dave Parker, a player he has never met, with Parker also being elected this December alongside Dick Allen by the Classic Era Committee.

Together, they will forever share the honor of Cooperstown.

“For years, I resisted the idea of being a baseball person, or a fan,” Sabathia reflected. “After my playing days, I thought I’d never return to the field. I imagined distancing myself from the game and exploring other paths. But I adore this sport. I enjoy being around fellow players. I love working in the office.”

“This game has been everything to me.”

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale