CC Sabathia Named Special Assistant to MLB Commissioner

The six-time All-Star will work closely with Rob Manfred.

CC Sabathia played 19 years in professional baseball, and he is returning to the league in a new role.

The former pitcher was named the special assistant to the commissioner on Wednesday. The league described this role as “an advocate for amplifying diversity, strengthening the sport, and impacting the community, CC will bring a player’s perspective as a liaison for decision making.”

After a 19-year career, @CC_Sabathia is the newest Special Assistant to the Commissioner. An advocate for amplifying diversity, strengthening the sport, and impacting the community, CC will bring a player's perspective as a liaison for decision making. Welcome, CC! #LegaCCy pic.twitter.com/M0QCMJhY1h

— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2022

The 41-year-old will work closely with commissioner Rob Manfred. He will also continue working with The Players Alliance as vice president. With the organization, he has focused on finding “the best methods increasing opportunity and representation of Black talent on and off the field” in baseball. 

Sabathia took to Twitter following the announcement on Wednesday to express his excitement for his new role.

“I love this game and the opportunity to bring about real change, diversity, developing the youth, and being a voice for the players. This new position with the MLB Commissioner’s office is another step in that direction. Let’s get to work!!!”

I love this game and the opportunity to bring about real change, diversity, developing the youth, and being a voice for the players. This new position with the @MLB Commissioner’s office is another step in that direction. Let’s get to work!!!

— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) April 6, 2022

During his 19-year career, Sabathia went 251–161 with 3,093 strikeouts. He was a six-time All-Star during his career, playing for the Guardians (2001–08), Brewers (2008) and Yankees (2009–19) before he retired in 2019.

Since 2020, Sabathia has co-hosted the R2C2 podcast with Ryan Ruocco for The Ringer.