Yankees' Sabathia officially announces retirement after 2019

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, a Cy Young Award winner and the major league's active leader in strikeouts and innings pitched, confirmed Saturday this will be his final season. Sabathia made the announcement at a press conference from the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Fla.

"All I ever wanted for people to remember me as is just as a good teammate," said Sabathia, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2007. "I look forward to 2019 being a championship season for us, me going out and giving everything I have." Sabathia, 38, has a 246-153 record in 18 seasons, the past 10 with the Yankees. He is on the verge of becoming the 17th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,000 strikeouts, entering the season with 2,986 in 3,470 innings.

He would be just the third left-hander to reach the 3,000-strikeout milestone, joining Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. "I had the pleasure of competing against CC and also with him, and have always considered him one of my favorite teammates," former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said in a statement.

"He rose to and exceeded the expectations and pressure, especially during his time with the Yankees, and was a key piece to the 2009 championship team. CC embodies what it means to be a professional athlete and has been an incredible ambassador for baseball. He has an unwavering commitment to success on the field and an even greater desire to give back through his foundation work off the field." Sabathia, a first-round pick by Cleveland in 1998, made his major league debut with the Indians in 2001. He was traded to Milwaukee in July 2008 and signed with the Yankees on a seven-year, $161 million deal after that season.

After going 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA last season, he signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Yankees in November. Sabathia, who has battled right knee problems in recent seasons, underwent an angioplasty to clear a blocked artery in December. Sabathia is a six-time All-Star, making three appearances with the Yankees and three with the Indians.

"CC's will to win and competitive spirit is as good as I've seen in anyone I've ever pitched with," former Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte said in a statement. "It's going to be sad to see him leave the game, but what a mark he left on it. A great friend and a great teammate -- I'm looking forward to seeing him go into the Hall of Fame one day." --Field Level Media