Vallejo native CC Sabathia was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, as he gave homage to his hometown and paid special tribute to the “wise and caring" women in his life.

CC Sabathia might be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t get here without a wait. First, there was the family car trouble -- hilariously chronicled on social media -- that delayed Sabathia’s arrival to this village that serves as baseball’s mecca.

Suzuki referened the lone writer who did not give him a Hall of Fame vote, saying that a previous invitation to dinner had now "expired."

CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen and Dave Parker were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

When Brian Cashman recruited CC Sabathia to play in New York prior to the 2009 season, he knew it would take more than just the promise of trying to win and a giant contract.

The Vallejo native said

CC Sabathia's 19-year Major League ride toward the Hall of Fame was a smoother one than the actual drive he made to Cooperstown for his induction.

An unfortunate thing happened to CC Sabathia’s family on their way to upstate New York this weekend. While driving westbound on Highway 17, his car broke down. Sabathia put a photo of the moment on X (formerly Twitter) and over 400 people responded,

Sabathia told reporters earlier this month that he postponed knee replacement surgery until after the induction ceremony, not wanting to appear in front of the crowd with a noticeable limp. Instead, he’s rolling into Cooperstown the way fans have always known him: banged up and determined.

Pitching star CC Sabathia has taken his place in Cooperstown after being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.