“Sorry You Feel That Way,” CC Sabathia Hits Back at Reporter Who Criticized Yankees for Retiring His No.52 Jersey

CC Sabathia's No.52 jersey will be retired by the New York Yankees on September 26, 2026, before their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

“Sorry You Feel That Way,” CC Sabathia Hits Back at Reporter Who Criticized Yankees for Retiring His No.52 Jersey

CC Sabathia (Image via Fox News)

Last week, the New York Yankees made a major announcement regarding CC Sabathia. In a post, the Bronx Bombers revealed that they would retiring his No.52 jersey. A sports writer did not seem too pleased with this and criticized them. On Sunday, the ex-MLB star hit back at him.

Sabathia spent 11 of his 19 seasons in the MLB with the Yankees. He made his league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2001 and immediately made a huge mark. In his rookie season, the southpaw finished 2nd in the AL Rookie of the Year award, behind future-Yankees teammate Ichiro Suzuki.

In his seven-and-a-half years with the Indians (now Guardians), Sabathia established himself as one of the greatest pitchers of his generations. His performances in 2007 saw him win the AL Cy Young Award, an honor given to the best pitcher in the league.

In 2008, he got traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. During his short stay with the National League Central side, Sabathia played a huge role in their run towards the playoffs.

It was in 2009 when he made his way to New York. The California-born native joined the AL East side on a 7-year, $161 million deal and became an instant hit.

He would named the American League Championship Series (ALCS) MVP in 2009 as the team knocked out the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to win the AL pennant. He and the Yankees went on to win the World Series by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the Fall Classic.

Like any other player, Sabathia had his highs and lows with the team. After some under par seasons from 2013 to 2016, he would bounce back in 2017, going 14-5 in 27 starts with a 3.69 ERA. In 2019, he joined the exclusive 3,000 strikeouts club, becoming the 17th pitcher to reach this milestone.

Seven years after his retirement from the MLB, the Yankees are now set to retire his No.52 jersey. While many fans celebrated this, New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick did not seem pleased.

In an article (subscription required), the columnist called out the Yankees for this and criticized their decision.

Users on X would then call out Mushnick for his words. Sabathia, who is active on social media, would later react to this.

In a post, the 45-year-old trolled him and claimed he was sorry that he felt this way and dropped several laughing emojis.

Ah damn Phil sorry you feel that way…see you 9/26/26

CC Sabathia on X

Sabathia’s jersey retirement ceremony will take place on September 26, 2026 before the Yankees play against the Baltimore Orioles. A plaque regarding him will also be installed at the Yankees’ Monument Park.

CC Sabathia called jersey retirement as one of the greatest honors of his life

CC Sabathia’s No.52 jersey is going to be immortalized forever. The left-handed pitcher will see his number go into the rafters in September this year.

CC Sabathia
CC Sabathia (Image via NY Post)

While reacting to this development, he would pen down an emotional message. In a post across his social media accounts, the former Yankees star called it as one of the greatest honors of his life and claimed that his journey had come full circle.

From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park – this HOF journey has come full circle. To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues.

CC Sabathia on X

The Yankees, who are historically the most successful franchise in MLB history, have 22 numbers retired. Sabathia’s No.52 will be the 23rd number to be retired by them. This is the most by any team. The St. Louis Cardinals come in second on this list with 14 numbers retired.

This will be another major piece added to Sabathia’s legacy in MLB. Last year, he was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame while receiving 86.8 per cent votes in his first try. His HOF plaque had the Yankees cap on his head.

Radio host urged for Alex Rodriguez’s number to be retired by Yankees following CC Sabathia’s news

Following the announcement by the New York Yankees regarding CC Sabathia’s number being retired, a radio host urged the team to do the same for Alex Rodriguez.

CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez
CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez (Image via MLB/Imago)

A-Rod spent 12 of his 22 seasons in the MLB with the Yankees and was one of the most prominent figures in the team’s history. He would win two MVP titles with them in 2005 and 2007 and played a huge part in the team’s 2009 World Series triumph.

However, despite his achievements, his No.13 has not been retired by the team. While discussing about this on the WFAN Sports Radio, Craig Carton raised the question of why Rodriguez’s number had not been retired yet.

If CC Sabathia has his number retired and gets a plaque, not a monument, but a plaque out there in the centerfield at Yankee Stadium, the when oh when does Alex Rodriguez get his?

Craig Carton said regarding CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez

While the former MLB shortstop achieved a lot of success with the Yankees, his usage of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) has left a dark stain on his career. In 2014, he was suspended for the entire season due to this. It is also one of the reason why he is not in the MLB Hall of Fame yet despite hitting 696 home runs, the 5th most in the MLB.

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