It has been more than four months since CC Sabathia left baseball to receive treatment for his alcohol abuse issue, and the New York Yankees pitcher says he is ready to focus on baseball again.
In an interview with the New York Daily News Thursday night, Sabathia said he is “excited” for his 16th MLB season.
“I’m definitely in a good place,” Sabathia said. “You’ve never got this thing beat; it’s always there and I’m always going to be a recovering alcoholic, but I’m in a good place. I’m excited about what’s coming ahead, not only in the season, but personally. I’m ready to go.”
Sabathia also spoke with the Daily News in November shortly after he left the Yankees for treatment. The team was beginning its playoff schedule at the time.
“To have all the support from them and the organization, it’s been fantastic,” he said. “When I talked to you last, I hadn’t seen everybody yet. I hadn’t been to the field. Getting all that support and love has been a lot of fun.
“Everybody was worried about me. To see me go through what I went through and come out on the other side a better person, I think everybody is excited. It was fun to get back and to be a part of the family.”
Sabathia added that his knee feels much better and his upper body feels stronger than it did when he compiled a 6-10 record with a 4.73 ERA last season.
When you consider the timing of Sabathia’s decision to enter rehab, you get an idea of how significant the problem was. Some of the disturbing revelations he made about the final week of the season also paint a dark picture. Hopefully he got the help he needs and can finish out his career on a high note.
