CC Sabathia Opens Up to Fans [AUDIO]

***UPDATE*** Check out this clip from tonight's debut of "Under the Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story"

There are few modern-day New York Yankees that have done as much for the team as CC Sabathia has. The towering Ace pitcher provided instant dividends by helping the Yankees not only return to but win the World Series in his first year in Pinstripes. From 2009 to 2019 CC was an obvious leader and key part of the Yankees. Little did we all know the Ace of the staff and "stopper" a term used for pitchers so good they can shut down a losing streak, was fighting alcohol addiction off the field. CC joined Levack and Goz to talk about his days with the Yankees, his future plans, and why he was willing to pull back the curtain and share his story in the upcoming HBO Sports Special "Under the Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story."

I have made it no secret that I dreamt about the new slimmed-down CC returning to the starting rotation for the Yankees to save the day last season. The injuries were mounting and time was running out to lock up the AL East or a top Wild Card spot. Did CC ever get the itch to return? In short No. When you listen to our talk with Sabathia below, he's at peace with where he is in life. Selfishly as a fan you never want to see your favorite players walk away, but if they're going to it's awesome to hear them be happy with the decision.

During the interview I even made my pitch for CC to take over the Yankees broadcast booth one day after John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman decide to hand over the reins. CC's answer "Sure, in about twenty years!" After living his life based around the long schedule of baseball every year since 1997, CC said he's looking forward to a little more freedom for now. He also has a small concern about the "Cough Button" because he's concerned his commentary could get a little colorful lol.

The main thing I really wanted to know was why he is opening up now and doing this documentary? Why share these darker stories that many of us have already heard for the most part from outlets like TMZ? "Because like you said we've heard things from TMZ and different things," Sabathia said, "but nobody's ever actually heard me talk about it." When "Under the Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story" airs on Tuesday, December 22nd on HBO it's clear that CC will be sharing how the relationship between he and his father helped shape the man he is now. I'm interested to see this open and vulnerable side of Sabathia.

This instantly became one of my favorite interviews I've ever done and I'd love for you to hear it.