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CC Sabathia Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: CC Sabathia: A Comprehensive Career Retrospective

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CC Sabathia: A Comprehensive Career Retrospective Study Guide

Early Life and Pre-MLB Career

CC Sabathia was born in New York, where he later played for the Yankees.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia was born in Vallejo, California, not New York.

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CC Sabathia played only baseball during his high school years in Vallejo, California.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his high school years in Vallejo, California, CC Sabathia excelled in baseball, basketball, and American football.

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CC Sabathia was drafted by the Cleveland Indians as the 20th overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft, as the 20th overall pick.

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CC Sabathia was part of the official 24-man Gold Medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team roster in 2000.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia was on the 28-man U.S. Olympic Team roster in 2000 but was not on the official 24-man Gold Medal-winning roster because he was called up by the Cleveland Indians.

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When and where was CC Sabathia born?

Answer: July 21, 1980, in Vallejo, California, U.S.

Explanation: CC Sabathia was born on July 21, 1980, in Vallejo, California, U.S.

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What was CC Sabathia's primary playing position in Major League Baseball?

Answer: Pitcher

Explanation: CC Sabathia's primary playing position throughout his Major League Baseball career was a pitcher.

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Which sports did CC Sabathia excel in during his high school years at Vallejo High School?

Answer: Baseball, basketball, and American football

Explanation: During his high school years, CC Sabathia excelled in baseball, basketball, and American football.

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How was CC Sabathia drafted into Major League Baseball?

Answer: He was selected in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft by the Cleveland Indians.

Explanation: CC Sabathia was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft as the 20th overall pick.

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What award did CC Sabathia receive as an Indians minor league player in 2000?

Answer: Lou Boudreau Award

Explanation: In 2000, CC Sabathia was named the Cleveland Indians' Minor League Player of the Year, also known as the 'Lou Boudreau Award'.

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Cleveland Indians Era (2001-2008)

CC Sabathia won the American League Cy Young Award in 2007.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia's career highlights include winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2007.

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In his rookie season, CC Sabathia won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Answer: False

Explanation: In his rookie season of 2001, CC Sabathia finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting, behind Ichiro Suzuki.

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CC Sabathia was the youngest player in MLB when he made his debut in 2001.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia made his major league debut on April 8, 2001, at the age of 20, making him the youngest player in MLB at the time.

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In his first postseason appearance in 2001, CC Sabathia became the youngest pitcher ever to win a Division Series game.

Answer: False

Explanation: In his first postseason appearance in 2001, CC Sabathia became the second-youngest pitcher to win a Division Series game, a feat only surpassed by Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.

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In 2005, CC Sabathia threw the fastest fastball in the American League, averaging 94.7 miles per hour.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2005, CC Sabathia notably threw the fastest fastball in the AL, averaging 94.7 miles per hour.

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CC Sabathia led the major leagues in shutouts in the 2006 season.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2006 season, CC Sabathia led the American League in shutouts with two, but led the major leagues in complete games with six.

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CC Sabathia recorded his 1,000th career strikeout against Ichiro Suzuki, the same player who beat him for Rookie of the Year.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia collected his 1,000th career strikeout on May 21, 2007, by fanning Ichiro Suzuki, who had previously won the AL Rookie of the Year over Sabathia.

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CC Sabathia performed exceptionally well in the 2007 American League Championship Series, despite the Indians losing.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia did not perform well in the 2007 ALCS, going 0–2 with a 10.45 ERA in two starts against the Boston Red Sox.

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CC Sabathia was traded from the Cleveland Indians in 2008 because the team was rebuilding and wanted to acquire young talent.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia was traded from the Cleveland Indians in 2008 because the team was out of playoff contention and he was an impending free agent, making him a valuable trade asset for acquiring young talent.

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Which of the following awards did CC Sabathia win in 2007?

Answer: AL Cy Young Award

Explanation: CC Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award in 2007.

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Who finished ahead of CC Sabathia in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2001?

Answer: Ichiro Suzuki

Explanation: In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki finished ahead of CC Sabathia in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting.

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What was CC Sabathia's age when he made his MLB debut on April 8, 2001, making him the youngest player in MLB at the time?

Answer: 20

Explanation: CC Sabathia made his MLB debut on April 8, 2001, at the age of 20, making him the youngest player in MLB at that time.

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In 2005, CC Sabathia threw the fastest fastball in the AL, averaging what speed?

Answer: 94.7 mph

Explanation: In 2005, CC Sabathia threw the fastest fastball in the AL, averaging 94.7 miles per hour.

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What notable pitching achievement did Sabathia have in the 2006 season, leading the major leagues?

Answer: Most complete games

Explanation: In the 2006 season, CC Sabathia led the major leagues with six complete games.

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Why was CC Sabathia traded from the Cleveland Indians in 2008?

Answer: The team was out of playoff contention and he was an impending free agent.

Explanation: CC Sabathia was traded from the Cleveland Indians in 2008 because the team was out of playoff contention and he was an impending free agent.

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Milwaukee Brewers Stint (2008)

The 'player to be named later' in the CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee was Michael Brantley, who became an All-Star.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'player to be named later' in the trade that sent CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers was indeed Michael Brantley, who later became an All-Star.

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CC Sabathia's memoir, *Till The End*, highlighted that his trade to Milwaukee was challenging because he was one of the few Black athletes on the roster.

Answer: False

Explanation: In his memoir, CC Sabathia recalled that an unexpected positive of the trade to Milwaukee was being on a roster with multiple other Black athletes, which allowed him to be more at ease.

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CC Sabathia clinched a playoff spot for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 by pitching a complete-game shutout in the final regular season game.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia clinched a playoff spot for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 by pitching a complete-game four-hitter, not a shutout, in the final regular season game.

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ESPN retrospectively ranked CC Sabathia's 2008 performance with the Brewers as the best trade deadline acquisition of all time.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 2025 ESPN retrospective indeed cited CC Sabathia's performance and impact with the Brewers as the best trade deadline acquisition of all time.

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What was the name of the future All-Star who was the 'player to be named later' in the trade that sent CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers?

Answer: Michael Brantley

Explanation: The 'player to be named later' in the CC Sabathia trade to the Milwaukee Brewers was Michael Brantley.

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What personal reflection did Sabathia share in his memoir about his time with the Milwaukee Brewers?

Answer: He appreciated being on a roster with multiple other Black athletes, allowing him to be more at ease.

Explanation: In his memoir, CC Sabathia noted that a positive aspect of his time with the Brewers was being on a roster with multiple other Black athletes, which allowed him to feel more at ease.

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How did CC Sabathia help the Milwaukee Brewers clinch a playoff spot in 2008?

Answer: He pitched a complete-game four-hitter in the final regular season game.

Explanation: CC Sabathia helped the Milwaukee Brewers clinch a playoff spot in 2008 by pitching a complete-game four-hitter in the final regular season game.

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What was CC Sabathia's record during his half-season with the Milwaukee Brewers?

Answer: 11–2

Explanation: During his half-season with the Milwaukee Brewers, CC Sabathia achieved an 11–2 record.

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New York Yankees Tenure (2009-2019)

The contract CC Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees in 2008 was the largest ever for a pitcher at that time.

Answer: True

Explanation: The seven-year, $161 million contract Sabathia signed with the Yankees in the 2008 offseason was, at the time, the largest ever for an MLB pitcher.

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During his mid-career with the Yankees, CC Sabathia struggled primarily due to a lack of motivation.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia's mid-career struggles with the Yankees were attributed to a loss of fastball velocity, chronic knee injuries, and alcoholism, not a lack of motivation.

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CC Sabathia adapted his pitching style in the late 2010s by focusing more on power and velocity.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the late 2010s, CC Sabathia reinvented himself as a control pitcher, shifting his reliance from power and velocity to command and pinpoint accuracy.

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CC Sabathia won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009, but did not earn the ALCS MVP award that year.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia was voted the 2009 AL Championship Series Most Valuable Player and also won the World Series with the Yankees that year.

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In 2010, CC Sabathia broke a New York Yankees franchise record for consecutive starts with at least six innings and three earned runs or less.

Answer: True

Explanation: On August 22, 2010, CC Sabathia recorded his 16th consecutive start of at least six innings allowing three earned runs or less, breaking a Yankees franchise record.

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After the 2011 season, CC Sabathia opted out of his Yankees contract to explore free agency.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although his contract allowed him to opt out after the 2011 season, CC Sabathia signed a contract extension with the Yankees instead.

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CC Sabathia's late-career resurgence was partly due to his continued use of an effective knee brace.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia's late-career resurgence was attributed to his transition to a control pitcher and his continued use of an effective knee brace.

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CC Sabathia officially announced his retirement via Twitter after being removed from the Yankees' ALCS roster due to injury.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia's playing career concluded when he was removed from the Yankees' ALCS roster due to a subluxated left shoulder, and he formally announced his retirement via Twitter shortly after.

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What was the value of the contract CC Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees in the 2008 offseason?

Answer: Seven-year, $161 million

Explanation: CC Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees in the 2008 offseason.

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Which of the following was NOT a primary challenge CC Sabathia faced during his mid-career with the Yankees?

Answer: Chronic elbow injuries

Explanation: CC Sabathia's mid-career struggles with the Yankees included loss of fastball velocity, chronic knee injuries, and alcoholism, but not chronic elbow injuries.

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How did CC Sabathia adapt his pitching style in the late 2010s after facing mid-career struggles?

Answer: He reinvented himself as a control pitcher

Explanation: In the late 2010s, CC Sabathia reinvented himself as a control pitcher, shifting his reliance from power and velocity to command and pinpoint accuracy.

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What significant streak did CC Sabathia achieve in 2010, breaking a New York Yankees franchise record?

Answer: Longest streak of starts with at least six innings and three earned runs or less.

Explanation: In 2010, CC Sabathia broke a New York Yankees franchise record for the longest streak of starts with at least six innings and three earned runs or less.

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What health issue did CC Sabathia address in the 2010 offseason, requiring arthroscopic surgery?

Answer: A torn meniscus in his right knee.

Explanation: In the 2010 offseason, CC Sabathia was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, which required arthroscopic surgery.

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What was the outcome of CC Sabathia's contract opt-out decision after the 2011 season?

Answer: He signed a contract extension with the Yankees.

Explanation: After the 2011 season, CC Sabathia chose not to opt out of his contract and instead signed an extension with the Yankees.

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What medical procedure did CC Sabathia undergo after the 2012 season?

Answer: Arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove a bone spur.

Explanation: After the 2012 season, CC Sabathia underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove a bone spur.

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How did CC Sabathia's MLB playing career officially conclude?

Answer: He was removed from the Yankees' ALCS roster due to a subluxated left shoulder.

Explanation: CC Sabathia's MLB playing career officially concluded when he was removed from the Yankees' ALCS roster due to a subluxated left shoulder.

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What was CC Sabathia's overall win-loss record during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Yankees?

Answer: 134–88

Explanation: Over his eleven-year tenure with the New York Yankees, CC Sabathia compiled a 134–88 win-loss record.

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What was the reason for CC Sabathia's ejection on September 27, 2018?

Answer: Intentionally hitting Rays catcher Jesús Sucre with a pitch.

Explanation: CC Sabathia was ejected on September 27, 2018, for intentionally hitting Rays catcher Jesús Sucre with a pitch in retaliation.

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What was the outcome of CC Sabathia's ejection in September 2018?

Answer: He received a five-game suspension, served in the 2019 season.

Explanation: Following his ejection in September 2018, CC Sabathia received a five-game suspension, which he served in the 2019 season.

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Career Milestones and Legacy

CC Sabathia played for four different MLB teams during his 19-season career.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia played for three MLB teams: the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees.

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CC Sabathia was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025 on his second year of eligibility.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025 in his first year of eligibility.

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CC Sabathia is one of only three left-handed pitchers in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts.

Answer: True

Explanation: On April 30, 2019, CC Sabathia became the seventeenth pitcher in MLB history and only the third left-handed pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts.

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Upon his retirement, CC Sabathia led all active Major League players in career wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Answer: True

Explanation: At the end of the 2019 season, CC Sabathia led all active Major League players in career wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

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CC Sabathia holds the record for the most wins by a Black pitcher in major league history.

Answer: False

Explanation: With 251 career victories, CC Sabathia is tied with Bob Gibson for the second-most wins by a Black pitcher in major league history, trailing only Ferguson Jenkins.

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CC Sabathia was known as a 'workhorse' pitcher because he consistently pitched a high number of innings each season.

Answer: True

Explanation: CC Sabathia earned the 'workhorse' reputation due to his consistent ability to pitch a high number of effective innings, averaging over 200 innings per season eight times in his career.

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During his peak years from 2005 to 2012, CC Sabathia finished in the top five of Cy Young voting five times.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his peak from 2005 to 2012, CC Sabathia finished in the top five of Cy Young voting five times.

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For which three MLB teams did CC Sabathia play during his 19-season career?

Answer: Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees

Explanation: CC Sabathia played for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees during his 19-season MLB career.

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In what year was CC Sabathia elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame?

Answer: 2025

Explanation: CC Sabathia was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.

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On what date did CC Sabathia achieve his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming the third left-handed pitcher to do so?

Answer: April 30, 2019

Explanation: CC Sabathia achieved his 3,000th career strikeout on April 30, 2019.

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At the time of his retirement at the end of the 2019 season, CC Sabathia led all active Major League players in which three categories?

Answer: Career wins, career innings pitched, career strikeouts

Explanation: Upon his retirement at the end of the 2019 season, CC Sabathia led all active Major League players in career wins, career innings pitched, and career strikeouts.

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How does CC Sabathia rank among Black pitchers in major league history for career victories?

Answer: He is tied for the second-most wins with Bob Gibson.

Explanation: With 251 career victories, CC Sabathia is tied with Bob Gibson for the second-most wins by a Black pitcher in major league history, trailing only Ferguson Jenkins.

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What was a notable hitting achievement for CC Sabathia?

Answer: He became the first pitcher since 1970 to hit a home run in both the American and National Leagues in the same season.

Explanation: On July 13, 2008, CC Sabathia became the first pitcher since 1970 to hit a home run in both the American and National Leagues in the same season.

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Why was CC Sabathia often referred to as a 'workhorse' pitcher?

Answer: He consistently pitched a high number of effective innings each season.

Explanation: CC Sabathia earned the 'workhorse' reputation due to his consistent ability to pitch a high number of effective innings each season, averaging over 200 innings eight times in his career.

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During his peak years from 2005 to 2012, how many times did CC Sabathia finish in the top five of Cy Young voting?

Answer: Five times

Explanation: During his peak from 2005 to 2012, CC Sabathia finished in the top five of Cy Young voting five times.

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Personal Life and Off-Field Engagements

CC Sabathia's significant weight loss in 2013-2014 was primarily due to a new rigorous training regimen.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia's weight loss in 2013-2014 was motivated by crash dieting after a cousin died of heart disease, not primarily a new rigorous training regimen.

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CC Sabathia entered an alcohol rehabilitation facility in 2015 after a public incident involving a teammate.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia entered an alcohol rehabilitation facility in 2015 after a weekend of binge drinking, not a public incident involving a teammate.

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In December 2018, CC Sabathia underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Answer: False

Explanation: In December 2018, CC Sabathia underwent a cardiac catheterization due to a coronary artery blockage, not surgery for a torn rotator cuff.

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After retirement, CC Sabathia became a pitching coach for a minor league affiliate.

Answer: False

Explanation: After his retirement from playing, CC Sabathia was hired by Major League Baseball to serve as a special assistant to commissioner Rob Manfred.

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The 'PitCCh In Foundation' is a charity established by CC Sabathia to support inner-city children.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'PitCCh In Foundation' is a charity established by CC Sabathia with the mission to support inner-city children.

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CC Sabathia is naturally left-handed, which is why he pitched and batted left-handed.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia is actually naturally right-handed but began throwing a ball with his left hand at the age of two and continued to pitch and bat left-handed throughout his career.

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Vallejo High School renamed its baseball field in CC Sabathia's honor in 2012.

Answer: True

Explanation: In January 2012, Vallejo High School honored CC Sabathia by renaming its baseball field in his honor.

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CC Sabathia's son, Carsten Charles III, plays college football for Georgia Tech.

Answer: False

Explanation: CC Sabathia's son, Carsten Charles III, plays college baseball for Georgia Tech and Houston, not college football.

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What personal struggle led CC Sabathia to enter an alcohol rehabilitation facility in 2015?

Answer: A weekend of binge drinking in Baltimore and in the clubhouse.

Explanation: CC Sabathia entered an alcohol rehabilitation facility in 2015 following a weekend of binge drinking in Baltimore and in the clubhouse.

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What significant health event did CC Sabathia experience in December 2018?

Answer: A cardiac catheterization due to a coronary artery blockage.

Explanation: In December 2018, CC Sabathia underwent a cardiac catheterization after doctors discovered a blockage in a coronary artery.

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What role did CC Sabathia take on with Major League Baseball after his retirement from playing?

Answer: Special assistant to commissioner Rob Manfred.

Explanation: After his retirement from playing, CC Sabathia was hired by Major League Baseball to serve as a special assistant to commissioner Rob Manfred.

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What is unique about CC Sabathia's handedness in baseball?

Answer: He was naturally right-handed but pitched and batted left-handed.

Explanation: CC Sabathia is naturally right-handed but pitched and batted left-handed throughout his career, having started throwing left-handed at age two.

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What honor did Vallejo High School bestow upon CC Sabathia in January 2012?

Answer: They renamed the school's baseball field in his honor.

Explanation: In January 2012, Vallejo High School honored CC Sabathia by renaming the school's baseball field in his honor.

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What was the purpose of CC Sabathia's podcast, R2C2, which he started with Ryan Ruocco?

Answer: To provide a platform for discussions and interviews.

Explanation: CC Sabathia started the R2C2 podcast with Ryan Ruocco to provide a platform for discussions and interviews.

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