Yankees legend CC Sabathia hit a homer in the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, then made a bold World Series prediction: Tigers vs. Dodgers — with L.A. going back-to-back.
Sabathia Stays Legendary, Even in Retirement
Retirement? Who said anything about slowing down?
Even though CC Sabathia last pitched in 2019, the Yankees icon is still living and breathing baseball—and he just reminded everyone why he’s still one of the sport’s biggest personalities.
While hanging out in Atlanta for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Sabathia did it all: ambassador duties, softball slugging, and of course, talking playoff predictions like only a future Hall of Famer can.
MVP Moment in Celebrity Softball Game
One of the biggest cheers of the Midsummer Classic weekend? You guessed it—CC crushing a moonshot in the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, earning himself MVP honors and a massive ovation from fans.
Forget finesse—Sabathia brought the power. And after launching his no-doubt dinger, the six-time All-Star was all smiles.
His reaction? Classic CC. Humble, hyped, and just happy to be around the game he loves.
It was, in his own words, “priceless.”
(Mastercard probably loved that.)

Sabathia Picks His 2025 World Series Contenders
Once the softball dust settled and the Home Run Derby wrapped with fireworks, Sabathia switched into analyst mode. When asked who he sees hoisting the trophy this fall, his answer came quick—and bold.
“Man, I think the Dodgers are obviously a very good team if they can get healthy. So I’ll have to go with them in the National League right now,” he said.
Okay, not exactly shocking. The 2024 World Series champs are stacked. But the next part? That raised eyebrows:
“The Yankees, they need some bullpen help. They need a third baseman. But I do think if the Tigers can make some moves and get some bullpen help with [Tarik] Skubal, they can give the Yankees a run. So, I’m going to go Tigers right now.”
Wait, what?!
Yep—Sabathia’s riding with Detroit. And honestly? Not a terrible take. With Skubal dominating and a few strategic upgrades, the Tigers have the pieces to make things interesting.
So who wins it all?
“Dodgers,” Sabathia declared. “Back to back.”
Now that’s a statement.
CC’s Call: Smart Money or Sentimental Pick?
Sabathia isn’t just tossing out hot takes for the sake of headlines. He’s connected. He’s plugged in. And as a liaison to the league through his work with Commissioner Rob Manfred, he’s got insight most fans don’t.
Still—Tigers vs. Dodgers would be a wildcard World Series few predicted in April. But if Detroit gets aggressive at the trade deadline? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.
As for the Yankees? Their former ace isn’t sugarcoating it. They’ve got work to do. Bullpen, third base, depth—Sabathia sees the flaws, even through pinstripe-colored glasses.
Final Word: CC Still Owns the Moment
From slugging dingers in celebrity softball to giving candid takes on the postseason, Sabathia proved this weekend that retirement hasn’t dulled his edge—or his love for the game.
Whether or not the Tigers make it to October (or the Dodgers really repeat), we know one thing:
Where baseball’s happening, CC’s still making noise.
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