CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia was one of the most dominant and durable pitchers of the 21st century, becoming the first Black pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts and the winningest Black pitcher since Ferguson Jenkins. Over 19 seasons, he won 251 games, captured a Cy Young Award (2007), and helped lead the New York Yankees to a World Series title in 2009. Known for his imposing presence on the mound and fierce competitiveness, Sabathia also stood out as a leader in the clubhouse and a mentor to younger players.

Off the field, Sabathia has been a vocal advocate for racial justice and equality. He has openly credited Jackie Robinson for making his career possible and has supported the Jackie Robinson Foundation through charitable initiatives. In recent years, Sabathia has been at the forefront of conversations around increasing Black representation in baseball, working through his PitCCh In Foundation and serving as a bridge between generations. He represents the legacy of Robinson in full—excelling athletically while pushing the sport forward socially.