If the Yankees win the World Series and ride up lower Broadway as ticker tape smothers them, it will likely be CC Sabathia’s final act as a Yankee.
“I want one more parade and pretty sure that will be it,’’ Sabathia told The Post. “I thought I had it last year.’’
Asked if he would have retired had the Yankees gotten by the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS, which he started, and beaten the Dodgers in the World Series, Sabathia said that would have been the end of what has been a Hall of Fame worthy career.
“That’s what you play for,’’ the 37-year-old Sabathia said of winning another World Series title before retiring and enjoying his family. “But you got to get it first.’’
It has been 10 seasons since Sabathia helped the Yankees beat the Phillies in the 2009 World Series. They haven’t been back since, though they came nine outs away a year ago.
“You always want that feeling. It feels like 20 seasons [ago],’’ Sabathia said of the Yankees’ 27th World Series title in 2009. “That’s all you play for.’’
Brett Gardner and Sabathia are the lone leftovers from the 2009 title team. David Robertson was on the team but left following the 2014 season to sign with the White Sox and was dealt to the Yankees last July.
According to Sabathia, he isn’t the only one seriously hunting a World Series parade and ring.
“That’s the only thing you think of after you win the first one, you think about the next one,’’ Sabathia said. “Everyone around here is itching for the next one.’’
Based on the way Sabathia has started the season, he will play a big part of those World Series dreams. In six starts Sabathia is 2-0 with a 1.39 ERA. He has allowed 23 hits, struck out 23 and issued five walks in 32 ¹/₃ innings. In his last outing against the Indians on Friday night Sabathia produced six shutout innings, led 5-0 when he left and watched the bullpen turn the gem into a no-decision in a 7-6 Yankees’ victory.
With 239 victories Sabathia is tied for 55th on the all-time list with Mordecai Brown and David Wells. He is 15th among lefties with wins and one behind Frank Tanana (240).
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