On the mound, New York Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia is a real scary guy. Maybe that could be accredited to his colossal 6'7, 290-pound frame, which would probably strike fear into any opposing batter. But his efffectiveness on the field should actually be attributed to the fact that he's as a notorious rubber-armed power pitcher who has never tried to shy away from the pressure-induced, high stakes moment, and has met a great deal of success in the process.
While visiting the MLB Fan Cave to support the Pepsi Max's Field of Dreams Program (which allows fans to vote for their own 11-man team of past baseball greats and the chance play alongside some of their favorite former legends), we talked to CC about how he felt when Jeter got hit number 3,000 and his perspective on Watch the Throne.
Interview by Jose Martinez (@ZayMarty)
What has been the highlight of this 2011 season for you?
CC Sabathia: I think Jeter getting 3,000 hits has been the highlight for our season, so far. It was just one of those crazy moments with him hitting the home run. It was amazing.
What’s the most money you spent on an article of clothing?
CC Sabathia: In 2009, I got a pair of Guess shoes that were probably like $600.
What's your favorite song at the moment?
CC Sabathia: “Otis.”
Who isn’t into “Otis” these days? [Laughter.] So were you anticipating the release of Watch the Throne as much as everyone else?
CC Sabathia: I was, man. I love the album. I think it’s pretty cool. Any time you get those two to collaborate, it’s going to be something special.
So you definitely have the album on repeat on your iPod?
CC Sabathia: Oh, for sure. I have on repeat in the clubhouse. [Laughter.]
Did you also get Hell: The Sequel with Eminem and Royce da 5'9?
CC Sabathia: Oh yeah. I actually got that early. I probably shouldn’t being saying that, but I got that one online. I’m always online looking for new music and things like that. But I love their album too.
So, between Hell: The Sequel and Watch the Throne, which one would you say was better?
CC Sabathia: Oh man…I would say, Watch the Throne. I think it’s just grown up, laid back, chill music.
What’s your favorite city to visit in the off-season?
CC Sabathia: I love the Bahamas. I actually went down to Baker’s Bay during the All-Star Break. I just love it down there. The food, the people, it’s cool.
Can you tell me...
CC Sabathia: Let me change my favorite country to the Dominican Republic.
Why’s that?
CC Sabathia: I went down there last off-season and I had a blast. It just popped in my head.
Okay, cool. So who was your childhood celebrity crush?
CC Sabathia: Who are the twins from Sister Sister.
Tia and Tamera Mowry.
CC Sabathia: Yeah. [Laughs.]
Now that they’re all grown up, do you think they still look good in your eyes?
CC Sabathia: Yeah, I think they still look good. You know, my wife is probably pissed off about that, but…
[Laughter.] What is favorite ballpark to visit?
CC Sabathia: I like Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. With the waterfall and things like that, I think it’s pretty cool.
Who would you say is the most famous person in your cell phone?
CC Sabathia: Jay-Z.
Have you known him for a while?
CC Sabathia: I met him in 2007, and then obviously playing here, I get a chance to hang out and speak with him more often now.
Have you contacted him to talk about the new album?
CC Sabathia: Yeah, for sure. I actually downloaded it during a game on Sunday. [Laughs.] And then I texted him right away.
What is your clothing brand do you like to wear?
CC Sabathia: I rock a lot of Sean John. Marc Ecko…
Now that’s a good brand. [Laughter.]
CC Sabathia: I rock a lot of both of those. Basically, big man clothes. [Laughter.]
And with a rhyme like that, maybe there's a rap career coming down the pipeline. Finally, What made you want to be involved with the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams program?
CC Sabathia: I think it’s a great program for the fans. To be able to have 11 of these baseball legends come to your hometown and play in a game is great. So just being a part of it all is pretty cool as well.
