CC Sabathia: ‘Everybody was like mad at me’ for losing weight

New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia didn’t have a great season on the mound last season as he has a disappointing 14-13 record and a career-high 4.78 earned run average, but off the mound, the former 315-pound hurler looks great after slimming down to 275.

However, when most people lose that much weight and are supported and congratulated for making the transformation, that wasn’t the case as Sabathia felt a backlash from fans over the weight loss.

"“Everybody was like mad at me and stuff,” Sabathia said of the online fan reaction. “I didn’t think people would care that much. But whatever. I thought it was hilarious.”"

Sabathia acknowledged that the weight loss which began last season took its toll on his stamina and power on the mound after the sudden weight loss.

“I feel like I lost a little bit of power last year,” he said. “By the fourth or fifth inning I was usually tired. That was something we really worked on this offseason, going out and making sure I’m ready to pitch a full game.”

The former Cy Young award winner is more prepared for the rigors of a 162-game schedule and has something to prove after his worst season in pinstripes and aims to prove that he is still the Yankees’ ace despite the addition of prized free agent Masahiro Tanaka.

“I’m coming in this year feeling good, and good to go.”

The Yankees are certainly hoping to see a big impact from the slimmed down Sabathia.