Yankees' Sabathia Says He'll Lean On Teammates To Help Keep Him Sober
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork) – CC Sabathia says he wasn't exactly a social drinker, more of an antisocial drinker.
The Yankees pitcher, who checked himself into a rehab center just as the team was preparing for the postseason last year, told reporters Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field that he did most of his heavy drinking alone in his hotel room during road trips.
"I felt like I needed to get some help and decided to do that, entered the rehab facility, and it was a good experience," said Sabathia, who complete a 30-day stay at the facility. "I was nervous and scared, and I didn't know what to expect. But looking back at it now, it's something I'm definitely glad I did."
Now his plan for staying sober involves counting more on his teammates to keep him out of trouble. That means he'll be organizing more team outings to NBA games and other places.
"That's something I kind of got away from the past couple of years," the former Cy Young winner said. "Just kind of shutting myself into my hotel room and doing my deed. I'll be out with my teammates, hanging out with the guys in the same role when I first got here, very social."
When he does find himself alone with time to kill, he plans to play plenty of video games.
"I'll keep myself occupied," said Sabathia, who admitted he knew he was an alcoholic back in 2012. "I've got a bunch of different hobbies now."
Sabathia, 35, is among several Yankees vying for a spot in the starting rotation. Last season, he battled a knee injury and went 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA.
On Thursday, manager Joe Girardi said Sabathia looks "great" so far but added he'll pick the best five starters for the rotation.
