Sabathia And Ortiz Bowl For Good Cause

By Brandon Colon

C.C. Sabathia is coming off a great start in Toronto last Thursday, going six innings only allowing one earned run. That brought his win total to six, as the New York Yankees lead the AL East with a 32-22 record.

Unfortunately for CC, he would lose his bragging rights against former Red Sox great David “Big Papi” Ortiz. The two faced off Monday for C.C’s PITCCH In Foundation All Stars of New York Bowling Tournament. The tournament allowed fans of both teams to have the chance to take down their most hated rival, while also supporting a great cause.

David Ortiz joins Amber and C.C. Sabathia at the 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

David Ortiz joins Amber and C.C. Sabathia at the 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

Sabathia and wife Amber began the PITCCH In Foundation in 2008 to support communities that have welcomed them. The mission of their foundation is to enrich the lives of youth from the inner city, by helping teens raise their self-esteem through educational and athletic activities.

2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament · CC and Amber Sabathia. Photo credit: Brandon Colon

2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament · CC and Amber Sabathia. Photo credit: Brandon Colon

With both C.C and Amber growing up in the inner city they know the challenges facing the children they want to help. “Our vision was to help kids in the inner city no matter what, teach sports and education,” said Sabathia. “It’s been way past what we could have ever imagined,” he added.

Many of Sabathia’s teammates made the trip downtown to support his foundation and get a couple of frames in. “It makes it a lot easier to ask guys to come when we are winning games,” said C.C

“I’m just glad to help, C.C has always been there for me in the short career I’ve had,” said Yankees rising star Aaron Judge. “Anything I can do to help out big C, I’ll do it.”

As athletes, you would expect most of them to be great at any sport they try. But the players were very forthcoming about their bowling skills.

“Bowl? I don’t Bowl! I’m a solid 150 bowler but that’s not good at all,” said Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks. “I play a lot of golf, so that’s my sport,” he added.

“I’m terrible, you don’t want to see me out there, I might go for one round but we’ll see,” said Judge.

The guy who everyone was on the look out for was semi-pro bowler and Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. “I heard of his (Betts) bowling prowess,” said Yankee’s designated hitter Matt Holliday. “I don’t bowl much so I might not play but I will probably stop by his lane to check him out,” he added.

Aaron Judge - 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

Aaron Judge – 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

The PITCCH In Foundation All Stars of New York Bowling Tournament has been going on for many years in different locations, from New York, Tampa Bay and all the way to CC’s hometown Vallejo California. “As a family, we bowl a lot, something we like to do during the offseason and the weekends,” said Sabathia. “You either have it or you don’t, he (Ortiz) can take as many lessons as he wants but I could still get him,” he added.
Sabathia in motion - 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

Sabathia in motion – 2017 PitCCh In Foundation Charity Bowling Tournament. Photo Credit: Brandon Colon

The tournament consisted of one qualifying round with the top two teams having C.C or Big Papi join their squad. Team “Pitch In” was the first to qualify, landing C.C on their team, while Manhattan Beer Distributors added Big Papi to their squad.

Sabathia who has been a workhorse and the ace of the pitching rotation for most of his career continued that trend leading his team in points. While Ortiz who could put a team on his back with his amazing power was the weak link on Team Big Papi.

But his struggles in the lane did not matter as Team Big Papi went on to beat Team C.C 482-431. More importantly, the children who are a part of C.C and Amber’s foundation won has the money raised will help benefit them and continue to help a great foundation grow.

 

Brandon Colon is an intern and contributor of sports content for the Bronx Chronicle and a graduate of Marist College with a degree in journalism and communications. 

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