Former Cleveland Indians pitcher CC Sabathia reminisced about his early days with the team and the impact pitching coach Carl Willis had on his career. Sabathia, who was drafted by the Indians in 1998 at 17 years old, recalled how Willis mentored and guided him as he developed in the minor league system. The two remained close throughout Sabathia’s time in Cleveland, with Willis even coaching him when he won the Cy Young Award in 2007.
Sabathia, who went on to have a successful 19-year career in the MLB, winning 252 games and a World Series ring with the Yankees in 2009, credits Willis for teaching him key pitching techniques and acting as a father figure during his time with the Indians.
Recently, Sabathia returned to Cleveland to conduct a baseball clinic for youngsters as part of his PitCChIn Foundation. He will also be inducted into the Guardians Hall of Fame before Saturday’s game against Baltimore. Despite leaving Cleveland in 2008 and spending more years with the Yankees than with the Indians, Sabathia still holds a special place in his heart for northeast Ohio, where he experienced many significant life events.
Sabathia expressed gratitude towards the Cleveland fanbase and acknowledged the impact the city had on his growth as a player and as a person. He also apologized for not pitching better in 2007, a season in which the team fell short of winning the World Series. Sabathia’s journey from a young, inexperienced pitcher to one of the most successful left-handers in baseball history is a true testament to the influence of mentors like Carl Willis and the lasting connections built in the game.
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