Yankees' CC Sabathia to retire after 2019 season

[Auggie]

TAMPA, Fla. -- CC Sabathia, the left-hander who is entering his 19th major league season, formally announced Saturday that he'll be calling it quits at the end of 2019.

"I just wanted to make this announcement that 2019 is my final season," Sabathia said at the start of his news conference at the New York Yankees' spring training complex.

The 38-year-old made his retirement plans official in a room filled with family, friends and teammates. Numerous Yankees who have already reported to spring training were present.

Sabathia's retirement comes after he spent recent seasons adjusting his pitching style in order to continue being effective. A noted high-strikeout flamethrower when he first debuted for the Cleveland Indians in 2001, Sabathia has been more of a finesse pitcher the past few years.

MORE: http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26011218/cc-sabathia-new-york-yankees-formally-announces-retire-2019-season

14 strikeouts away from 3,000 Ks ... four wins away from becoming 14th player with 3,000 Ks and 250 career wins.

Won the Cy Young in 2007. Choked in the 2007 ALCS (IMO), but ALCS MVP in 2009. 2× MLB wins leader (2009, 2010)

Hall of Fame? Yep.

[ADX]

1. CC's doing the right thing...

...He's going out on top and retiring as a New York Yankee after 10 years and at least 1 WS championship with the greatest team in the history of major league baseball.

[Bleacher Creature]

2. I thought he made that clear when he signed the one year deal.

Regardless, I have so much respect for him. No one would have blamed him if he decided to ride it out after his body started breaking down. Power pitchers don't have a great track record reinventing themselves, and he already had more money than he could spend. The fact that he was able to completely change his game is a real testament to the kind of person he is, and I completely agree that his next stop should be Cooperstown.

[ADX]

3. Cooperstown should be a lock for CC...

...Now I'm just waiting to see if Brett Gardner is going to follow CC's lead and retire as a Yankee as well...

[hughee99]

4. Yankees look good this year, might be a good final season for him.

I’m just wondering where Judge is going to play once Ellsbury gets back. Just kidding. I honestly thought he retired until I saw a story about how he’s going to be late to spring training.