The Windup: Starkville | Best Of Edition — CC Sabathia & Billy Wagner Talk About Their Path to Cooperstown

Podcast: The Windup: A Show About Baseball
Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville (The Athletic)
Guests: CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner

Episode Overview

In this special "Best Of Starkville" edition, Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville revisit two of the podcast’s most emotional and insightful interviews from the year—conversations with newly elected Hall of Famers, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. Both legendary pitchers discuss their winding paths to Cooperstown, reflect on what reaching baseball’s most exclusive club means to them, and share stories about legacy, humility, mentorship, and the changing nature of baseball.

CC Sabathia: Reflections on the Hall of Fame and Legacy

Segment Start: [03:15]

On The Emotions of Entering the Hall ([04:01])

• CC Sabathia: Describes the drive to Cooperstown as overwhelming and reflective.
  • “I got a chance to just make the three hour drive from New York and to just sit back and reflect and, you know, talk to my wife. And it really made me just sit back and think about my dad…” ([04:13])
• He emphasizes the role his late father played in his journey, particularly in dreaming of Sabathia pitching for the Yankees.

Understanding "Forever" and Legacy ([05:55])

• Jason Stark: “Your plaque is going to hang in that gallery forever. Man, people walking through there in 50 years or 100 years… How are you doing with wrapping your head around that?” ([05:11])
• CC Sabathia: Shares awe at the concept, expressing his hope to inspire youth:
  • “If I can make it where I came from, my circumstances, coming out of Vallejo, California, anybody can make it.” ([06:29])

The Importance of Being a Good Teammate ([07:08])

• Attributes this to his Cleveland years and the organization’s focus:
  • “That was just something they drilled into me, just understanding what it meant to be a good teammate on and off the field.” ([07:13])
• Shares anecdotes about helping teammates, especially catchers, fostering bonds on and off the field.

Fitting In with the Yankees & Building Chemistry ([09:22])

• On integrating with the Yankees:
  • “The core four…were with Cash and want me and AJ and Swish and Tex to kind of come in and bring in some new, fresh blood…those are just things that I always naturally love to do.” ([09:22])
• Emphasizes that being a unifier and spending time with teammates was always effortless for him.

The Mystique of the Yankees ([11:03])

• Pinstripes uniquely elevate expectations and provide a big stage, but present challenges:
  • “When you come to New York and you do something cool in the Bronx, it’s gonna leave SportsCenter…”
  • “If you can find your groove in this place, it turns out to be an awesome place to play.” ([11:03])

From Raw Athlete to Elite Pitcher ([13:14])

• CC admits he was "the furthest thing from polished" coming into pro baseball, and details his unexpected path, learning quickly on the job.
  • Shares a humorous story of his first bullpen session where he didn’t know the difference between a four-seamer and two-seamer. ([13:45])

Baseball’s Changing Player Development ([16:01])

• Wonders how analytics and modern pitching labs might have altered his development, but doubts he would have gravitated to them as a teen.

Evolving as a Pitcher ([17:42])

• Credits durability, adaptability, and learning to pitch (not just throw hard) for his late-career success:
  • “I really turned myself into my version of Jamie Moyer…” ([18:13])

The Modern "Ace" & Workhorse Era ([19:00])

• Laments fewer innings pitched by today’s top pitchers; believes an ace should reach 200 innings.
  • “For me, an ace is 200 innings. That’ll always be…the low standard.” ([20:13])

Baseball Fandom—CC as a Fan ([21:30])

• Since retirement, he’s become an avid spectator, enjoying watching both hitters and pitchers in the evolution of the game.

Reflections on Aaron Judge ([22:37])

• On Judge’s growth: “The way he can command the strike zone at this point, I don’t think anybody could predict.” ([23:13])
• Applauds Judge’s humility and credits Brett Gardner as a clubhouse influence.

Hitting CC’s Dodger Stadium Home Run — A Hallmark ([24:23])

• CC shares a detailed, funny memory about his 440ft home run at Dodger Stadium—his stuff was hidden by a prankster teammate, forcing him to rush to the plate. ([25:12])

On Shohei Ohtani’s Uniqueness ([27:01])

• CC is blown away by Ohtani’s historic two-way skill and work ethic:
  • “He’s in the big leagues, like, it’s incredible to watch...that’s the best baseball player I’ve ever seen.” ([27:01])

Friendship with Ichiro ([31:36])

• Shares that Ichiro’s dedication was singular, including offseason trips to Cooperstown for inspiration:
  • "The coolest thing about Ichi to me was just how focused he was on getting to Cooperstown, you know, and being the best baseball player that he could be." ([31:36])

Moment of Realization — Hall of Fame Dream ([33:17])

• CC didn’t consider himself a Hall of Famer until a friend’s offhand comment.
  • “That was the first time. I didn’t ever think of myself that way…” ([33:17])

Preparing for Induction Weekend ([34:29])

• Discusses the excitement and logistics for July’s ceremony, emphasizing the importance of mentors and influential people from his journey.

Billy Wagner: The Emotional Road to Cooperstown

Segment Start: [37:01]

The Agony and Relief of Election Night ([38:08])

• Billy Wagner: Describes the anxiety of election night, recalling being only five votes short the year before.
  • “So everybody’s going, ‘Well, you’re only five votes short.' … You might be close, but all of a sudden, 20 voters that voted for you leave…” ([38:08])

Tears, Family, and the Weight of the Call ([40:08])

• Describes the moment of the Hall call as overwhelming—the culmination of a lifetime, and shares the joy of experiencing it with his wife of 30+ years.

Perceptions of the Hall, Before and After ([43:29])

• As a fan and young player, saw the Hall as something for legends only.
• Being contacted by icons post-election hammered home the magnitude:
  • “You find your name, you know, Honus Wagner, Billy Wagner…” ([46:44])

Grappling with Immortality ([46:44])

• Like Sabathia, Wagner is in awe of the "forever" nature of Hall induction:
  • “It’s the epitome of everything you…could have ever wanted in your life to be as an athlete, this is it.” ([46:44])

Writing His Legacy and Giving Back Through Coaching ([49:47])

• Wagner sees his future in mentoring and coaching, especially communicating the perseverance required in baseball.
  • “You can do this. Hey, don’t fall into the trap of somebody going, ‘You’re not good enough…’ You go create your story.” ([50:35])

Anticipation for Induction Weekend ([52:17])

• Looks forward to meeting his new Hall "teammates" and soaking up their stories, likening himself to a rookie again:
  • “You come in here, you sit down, you keep your mouth shut. If I ask for a beer, you go get a beer…That’s what it feels like.” ([52:17])

The Speech and Message to the Next Generation ([56:44])

• Wagner aims to convey humility and perseverance:
  • “I just want to…show humility…But I also want to pass a message on to the new guys coming in, that … to have this moment is a really unique moment.” ([56:44])

The Mentors Who Shaped Him ([57:53])

• Tells stories about his first teammate Jeff Bagwell and lessons from bullpen coaches and Hall of Famers.
• Emphasizes that everyone’s Hall journey is a collective effort, shaped by teammates and wise voices.

On Humility and Being a Good Teammate ([67:53])

• Describes trying to be “that guy” who keeps it real and helps others, both as a player and coach.
  • “It is so hard to be the perfect teammate, because to be the good teammate, sometimes you’ve got to say the things that aren’t flattering…” ([67:53])
• Shares a funny and legendary story about changing Doug Glanville’s flat tire in a suit, exemplifying his commitment to teammates.

Hall Lessons & Emotional Connections ([72:13])

• Reflects on the bonds formed in the Hall process, friendships with CC, Ichiro, and learning about legends like Dave Parker and Dick Allen.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• CC Sabathia:

  • “All I ever wanted my legacy to be was that he competed hard and he was a good teammate.” ([05:55])
  • “If I can make it where I came from, my circumstances, coming out of Vallejo, California, anybody can make it.” ([06:29])
  • On Ohtani: “He’s literally the best player. He does everything the best. He’s in the big leagues, like, it’s incredible to watch.” ([27:01])
  • “I really turned myself into my version of Jamie Moyer…” ([18:13])
  • “You gotta–if you can find your groove in this place, it turns out to be awesome place to play.” ([11:03])

• Billy Wagner:

  • “I think the weight of the world fell off of my shoulders that night because there was so much more than just me involved in this hall of Fame run.” ([41:35])
  • “I think it’s hard to grasp…but it’s the most humbling and rewarding part of my career.” ([46:44])
  • “I think, you know, being a coach is like that being called coach is almost as humbling as being called dad.” ([49:47])
  • “It’s not a one man deal…I never walked out there and was like, hey, well, I’m going to strike out every single guy. You know, the, the great plays…there are so many people in that journey.” ([58:47])
  • “Because now I can finally not have to debate that. Well, you know, this happened and all this. I can go, well, who cares? I’m a Hall of Famer.” ([46:44])

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• [04:01] — CC Sabathia on the emotions of entering the Hall and his dad’s influence
• [05:55] — CC on understanding the meaning of being "forever" in the Hall
• [07:13] — CC tells stories of being a good teammate
• [09:22] — CC integrating with the Yankees & the unique culture
• [13:14] — CC’s unorthodox, raw beginnings as a baseball player
• [17:42] — CC on evolving his pitching as his career progressed
• [20:13] — CC on what being an ace means in modern baseball
• [22:37] — CC on Aaron Judge’s development
• [24:23] — CC’s infamous Dodger Stadium home run story
• [27:01] — CC on Shohei Ohtani’s singular place in baseball history
• [31:36] — CC on Ichiro’s Cooperstown focus and influence
• [38:08] — Billy Wagner on the stress of Hall of Fame election night
• [40:38] — Wagner recalls the overwhelming emotions and sharing the moment with family
• [43:29] — Wagner reflects on his sense of what the Hall meant as a youth versus now
• [49:47] — Wagner discusses building legacy through coaching younger players
• [52:17] — Wagner on the nerves and awe of induction weekend
• [56:44] — Wagner’s thoughts about his speech and sense of humility
• [58:47] — Wagner recounts stories about mentors, teammates, and supporters on his journey
• [67:53] — Wagner shares his philosophy on being a good teammate, humility, and the stories he now tells as coach
• [72:13] — Wagner reflects on the special camaraderie among inductees and the significance of Hall friendships

Tone and Style

The episode is warm, rich in nostalgic and candid reminiscence, peppered with humor, humility, gratitude, and awe from both Hall of Famers. CC Sabathia’s storytelling is heartfelt and approachable; Billy Wagner’s anecdotes are self-deprecating, deeply emotional, and loaded with wisdom for the next generation.

Closing Thoughts

This “Best Of” edition not only celebrates the achievements of two great pitchers but beautifully illustrates the profound impact of baseball’s tradition, mentorship, and brotherhood. Sabathia and Wagner offer wisdom for young players, insight into the mysteries of greatness, and a love for the game that will resonate long after their plaques hang in Cooperstown.

All timestamps are in MM:SS format. Content summary skips advertisements and sponsor content.