CC Sabathia, a 19-season MLB veteran, six-time All-Star, and New York Yankees legend, will deliver a moderated lecture at Southern Connecticut State University in the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 7 p.m.
During this moderated event, Sabathia will discuss aspects of his 2021 memoir, Till the End, a raw, compelling account of baseball, family, fame, addiction, and recovery that became a national bestseller. The inspiring memoir, which interweaves poignant baseball moments and personal tragedy, “brings the heat…about overcoming his years-long battle with alcoholism,” according to Publishers Weekly.
Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees in 2009, making history with his contract the largest ever signed by a pitcher at that time. While in pinstripes, he led the MLB in wins in both 2009 and 2010 and played a pivotal role in the team’s 2009 World Series victory. On June 12, 2018, he became one of only five pitchers in Yankees history to record 1,500 strikeouts for the team, solidifying his place as a Yankees legend.
Widely considered one of the most beloved players of his generation, Sabathia retired as the MLB’s active leader in strikeouts, innings pitched, complete games, and wins above replacement (WAR). He currently ranks third in MLB history in strikeouts by a left-hander, trailing only Hall of Famers Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson.
Before his time with the Yankees, Sabathia began his career with the Cleveland Indians, who drafted him in the first round in 1998. He spent 7 1/2 years in Cleveland and won a Cy Young Award in 2007. In 2008, Sabathia’s talents propelled the Milwaukee Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 26 years, showcasing his ability to impact teams wherever he played.
Beyond the field, Sabathia and his wife Amber founded the PitCCh In Foundation in 2008. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization aims to enrich the lives of inner-city youth in the New York Tri-State area and Northern California through educational and athletic activities. The foundation’s signature programs, including the All-Star Baseball Clinic, Youth Backpack Program, and Baseball Field Renovations, equip young people with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.
In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Sabathia served as a special advisor to New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman from early 2020 until 2022. He also co-hosts the R2C2 Podcast with veteran media personality Ryan Ruocco, engaging athletes and celebrities in conversations about sports, music, culture, and more. Furthermore, since 2020, Sabathia has held the position of Board Vice President for Players’ Alliance, a collective of over 100 current and former professional players working towards creating new opportunities for the Black community in baseball and society.
Recently, in April 2022, Sabathia was appointed as MLB’s Special Assistant to the Commissioner, taking on a unique role focused on critical areas such as player relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, social responsibility, youth participation, and broadcasting.
Tickets:
VIP $120 (with photo and signed copy of Sabathia’s memoir, Till the End)
$60 (premium seats)
$45 (uppers)
$30 (students).
Group discount rate: (for parties of 10 or more). Upper level only.
Adults, $35
Children 16 and under: $30.
To purchase tickets, visit SouthernCT.edu/cc.
