C.C. Sabathia, who played 11 seasons for the Yankees and formally announced his retirement from baseball in February, will be throwing out the first pitch, the team announced early Friday afternoon.
We've got an all-star squad for our home opener festivities!
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 31, 2020
Don't miss the action - pregame ceremonies start live on @YESNetwork at 6:30. pic.twitter.com/4tD7KpqjmK
C.C. Sabathia, a Cy Young winner, six-time All-Star and 2009 World Series winner, ended his career with the Yankees on a high note. As a 38-year-old, Sabathia went 5-8 last season with a 4.95 ERA, 107 strikeouts and a 1.407 WHIP.
It only makes sense that the team's former ace throw out the first pitch on Friday, as the Bronx Bombers will be taking on their biggest rival in the Boston Red Sox. Sabathia was part of the rivalry for a very long time, and Boston fans know him well.
In 44 games against Boston, Sabathia went 18-15 with a 4.25 ERA, 244 strikeouts and a 1.339 WHIP.
The Red Sox enter Friday's game with a 3-4 record while the Yankees are 4-1, good for first place in the AL East. Boston's pitching has struggled this year, so a trip to the Bronx will present a challenge.
Sabathia will be accompanied by color commentator Suzyn Waldman and George Steinbrenner's granddaughter Haley Swindal who will be singing the national anthem and "God Bless America", respectively.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!