MLB

CC Sabathia just wrote a goodbye letter to his New York teammates and the sport of baseball altogether ... and we gotta say, it's getting a little dusty in here.

With the Yanks getting eliminated by the Astros on Saturday ... the future Hall of Famer's career is now over -- and he took some time to reflect on it on social media Monday.

"Through the ups and downs, baseball has always been my home," 39-year-old Sabathia wrote ... "From Cleveland, to Milwaukee, New York, and everywhere in between, I'm so thankful to have experienced this journey with every teammate past and present."

Sabathia tried to pitch through injuries to get the Yanks past Houston and into another World Series ... but he couldn't quite finish the run, reinjuring himself in Game 4.

Still, the pitching legend got a huge ovation from fans when he walked off the NY mound for the final time last week.

"I'm so proud of this year's team, we fought til the end," Sabathia said, "Love you guys!"

CC added, "I'm going to miss going out there on the mound and competing, but it's time to say farewell. Thank you, baseball."

From on-screen stars to singers and directors, celebs from every part of the industry have been able to strike up a deal outside of what they're best known for!

As we head into the MLB World Series, we're highlighting the biggest stars that have been granted the opportunity to play ball!

Stars such as Sophia Bush, Kanye West, Judd Apatow, and plenty more have been able to strike up a deal and pitch to a whole new crowd.

MLB superagent Matt Sosnick -- whose agency reps huge stars like Pete Alonso -- was arrested for domestic violence for allegedly choking his wife in front of their young daughter ... and now she has a restraining order against him.

FYI, Sosnick is a big deal in Major League Baseball ... his powerful SCK Sports agency reps All-Stars like 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell, and Mets slugger Pete Alonso ... as well studs like Jay Bruce, Mitch Haniger and Blake Treinen.

Matt initially gained notoriety in the early 2000s for repping ex-Marlins star Dontrelle Willis, who actually got Sosnick's agency's logo tattooed on his arm during his pitching days.

But now, Matt's wife, Erica Sosnick, has filed for divorce from the 50-year-old -- alleging he roughed her up during an Oct. 8 incident.

We've confirmed Matt was arrested by the Danville PD in Northern California on Oct. 8 for domestic violence and misdemeanor child endangerment.

We've also learned Erica filed court docs requesting a temporary restraining order against Matt, which was granted almost immediately.

According to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, Erica claims Matt "grabbed my neck and squeezed" and told her, "I will destroy you." Erica then says he threw her across the room -- where she crashed into a table, all while their 9-year-old daughter watched.

Erica says their daughter called her former nanny and told the woman, "Daddy is yelling at mom. Mom is hurt."

Erica says in court docs she suffered injuries in the attack -- including bruising and swelling on her arm and red marks in the shape of handprints around her throat ... and she says things took an even worse turn the next day.

Erica claims on Oct. 9, she received text messages from Matt saying he was going to kill himself ... telling her, "I've already decided ...Saying goodbye to kids" and "My death is on you."

Erica's request for a temporary restraining order against Matt was granted -- and the next day, officials say Matt VIOLATED the order ... so he was arrested again on Oct. 9.

Now, Erica is asking the court for a more permanent restraining order. Records show she also got a move-out order against Matt, requiring him to leave the family residence. She's also filed divorce docs seeking to end their 11-year marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

Matt -- who was reportedly named 1 of the 5 most influential young people in baseball by Forbes in 2008 -- is currently one of the biggest agents in the MLB.

Ex-Yankees skipper Joe Girardi fought like hell to choke back tears when talking about CC Sabathia ... and if you're a Bronx Bombers fan, or just someone with a heart, cue the waterworks.

Barring a miracle, Sabathia's career ended Thursday night ... when the 39-year-old star pitcher was forced to leave Game 4 of the Yankees-Astros ALCS game when his knee buckled on the mound. The Yanks are 1 game away from elimination ... and CC's retiring after this season.

So, when former longtime manager Joe Girardi -- who managed CC from 2009-2017 -- was asked to talk about the legendary hurler during his MLB Network TV gig, it got emotional.

"That was not the way I wanted to see it end for him."

"CC, you're a Hall of Fame pitcher that was as tough as any man I was ever around, what you went through on a daily basis to just be able to get on the mound."

"You were a great husband. You were a great father. You were probably the greatest teammate I've ever been around because of your ability to pull all 25, sometimes all 50 people together in the clubhouse."

Girardi continued, and this is where it really gets emotional ... "And, you were the guy I always wanted on the mound when we needed a win. And, it was a privilege for me to manage you for 9 years. I love you, man."

WE'RE NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!!!!

If this is it for the 251-game winning, 6x All-Star and 2007 AL Cy Young winner -- and it certainly looks like it's a wrap -- Sabathia's next stop is likely Cooperstown

John Smoltz's incredible Georgia estate -- complete with a baseball field, basketball court, football field, golf course AND a pool -- is hitting the market ... and it's listed at a whoppin' $5.2 MILLION!!!

Not only is the 19-acre property a sports fan's paradise ... it's also got a HUGE mansion with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms!!!

The crib, listed by Harry Norman Realtors agent Alex McGraw, comes with several master suites, a chef's kitchen, multiple bars and an office.

There's also a room in the house called the "Gentlemen's Study" -- which we think is a super fancy way of saying "Man Cave."

And, if privacy is your thing, this place is locked up tighter than a drum -- double gates to keep out the riffraff and a gated parking court so nobody scuffs your Bentley.

Seriously, check out the pics. The place is awesome.

The Hall of Famer had the home built in 2002 -- and has put it on the market in the past -- but we're told he's more motivated than ever to sell!!!

According to the listing agent, the estate was appraised earlier this year ... and the asking price is way LESS than its appraisal value. So yeah, you're getting a steal!!!

Of course, Smoltz is an Atlanta legend and spent the majority of his career with the Braves, and reportedly made more than $135 MILLION during his 21-year MLB career.

Here's MLB legend Jeff Bagwell happy as hell he's not on the Yankees right now ... 'cause he tells TMZ Sports the way Gerrit Cole is currently pitching is straight-up scary!!

"He's the closest thing I've seen to Randy Johnson," the Astros legend says ... "He's tough. He's a monster out there."

Cole has been mowing down lineups all season ... and nothing's changed so far in the playoffs -- especially in Houston's HUGE Game 3 win over the Yanks on Tuesday.

Bagwell -- one of the greatest power hitters ever -- says it's truly impressive what the flamethrower has been able to do over the last few months.

"He's just a different animal," Bagwell says ... "There's something out there when he's on the mound where it just looks like he feels like he's just better than you."

In fact, Bagwell is so impressed by GC ... he says it actually reminds him of when Randy Johnson was shoving for the 'Stros back in 1998!!

Ever seen Obi-Wan Kenobi rage his face off?? Well, this is as close as you're gonna get ...

Pitcher Sean Doolittle was close to making that a reality after the Nationals punched their ticket to their first-ever World Series ... whipping out a lightsaber for an epic locker room celebration!!

The Washington Nationals threw the most epic -- and equally nerdy -- party after beating the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 on Tuesday ... pulling out all the stops to take in the huge win.

Don't believe us?? Just check out Nats aces Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer turning the NLCS trophy into a beer luge!!

Of course, there was also the other usual champagne poppin' and beer showers, Trea Turner rocking his alma mater NC State's football helmet and Brian Dozier losing his shirt somewhere along the way.

Look -- when we say nerdy, we say it with love. We're just trying to figure out how Washington will top this if they end up winning it all.

Ice Cube says he knows how the L.A. Dodgers can finally stop choking in the playoffs -- SIGN MORE BLACK GUYS!!!

He's not joking ... we spoke with Cube (briefly) about the Blue Crew's habitual crashing and burning in the MLB playoffs and the rap legend summed it up this way.

"They need to get some black ballplayers."

We checked out the Dodgers roster ... and yeah, they're definitely lacking when it comes to black players.

Tyler Skaggs' death may have been tied to an Angels staffer who allegedly told authorities he'd supplied the late pitcher with drugs ... this according to a new report.

ESPN put out the bombshell story Saturday, claiming to have spoken with sources who say that Eric Kay -- the Angels' director of communications -- confessed to DEA agents investigating Skaggs' death that he'd hooked him up with oxycodone for years.

On top of that, ESPN says their sources allege Kay also told the DEA that he'd given the pitcher oxy at least a day or two before the team left for Texas on a road trip.

Per the report ... Skaggs allegedly asked Kay for another installment of oxy on the actual day the team left, but Kay was unable to supply it. This is potentially huge, as Kay also allegedly told DEA agents that Skaggs snorted 3 lines in front of him shortly before his death.

While at his hotel in Southlake, TX ... Kay allegedly told DEA agents that Skaggs had invited him over, and offered him to partake. Kay allegedly denied, however, and reportedly told the DEA he witnessed Skaggs inhale 3 lines ... 2 he allegedly recognized as possible oxycodone, and a third line consisting of a substance he did not recognize.

Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room hours later, having choked on his own vomit ... with a cocktail of substances found in his system, including fentanyl and alcohol.

The Little League World Series champs just visited the White House ... and got the best ride back home ever -- A FLIGHT ON AIR FORCE ONE WITH THE PRESIDENT!!!

The youngsters won the Little League WS back in August ... and shortly after the game, Donald Trump tweeted he'd love to host them for a title celebration at 1600 Penn.

So, the kids took him up on that offer Friday ... and got the coolest reward -- a private flight back home on Trump's plane!!!

Trump was headed to Louisiana this weekend anyway -- No. 45 has a rally on Friday night in Lake Charles -- so it all worked out for everybody involved.

Check out the pics ... the kids -- decked out in their LLWS unis -- loved it ... they had huge smiles on their faces as they strolled onto Trump's ride.

"What an amazing day!" said Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise -- who made the trip with the Little Leaguers. "I’m so proud of this team!"

San Diego Padres pitcher Jacob Nix -- a top prospect in the organization -- was arrested on Sunday after allegedly breaking into an Arizona home by squeezing through the doggie door.

... And then, the dude allegedly got his ass whooped and tased by the homeowner, according to court documents.

23-year-old Nix -- a 3rd-round pick to the Padres in 2015 -- was allegedly walking through a fenced neighborhood in Peoria around 3:30 AM when he tried entering the home.

Nix allegedly tried entering through the doggie door, but was confronted by the homeowner who kicked him in the face and tased him ... before calling 911.

Nix ran away after the incident, but cops eventually caught up to him a few blocks away and arrested him for criminal trespass.

Tom Cosgrove -- also a pitcher in the Padres organization -- was with Nix during the incident and was also arrested for criminal trespass after admitting he entered a backyard.

When questioned by cops, Nix said he thought he was entering his own home -- although, he admitted his house doesn't have a doggie door.

The Padres released a statement on Thursday, saying, "We take this matter seriously and have been in contact with the Commissioner’s Office and local authorities."

"Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we will not have any further comment at this time."

Ernie Johnson is callin' BS on fans throwing dirt on Clayton Kershaw after his latest postseason debacle ... telling TMZ Sports, "His legacy is fine with me."

Kershaw gave up back-to-back home runs in the 8th inning against the Nationals in their NLDS finale Wednesday night ... and L.A. fans were PISSED he blew the game.

They ran over his No. 22 jersey in the parking lot ... they trashed him on Twitter ... and they bashed him on local radio.

When we got Johnson -- who did play-by-play for the Game 5 -- he told us everyone in L.A. needs to pipe down with that chatter ... saying Kershaw is still a legend in his book.

"I don't know what happens to his legacy," Johnson says ... "You know what? His legacy is fine with me."

Johnson says Kershaw's been plenty successful on the field ... and the fact that he's such a good dude off of it cements him as one of the game's greatest in his book.

But, Ernie does admit ... it would be nice if Clayton were able to somehow string together a postseason performance that lifts the Dodgers to a title.

"No one f*cks with us, ever!"

That's St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt GOING OFF in a spectacular f-bomb-laced locker room speech after his team upset the Braves -- and it's AWESOME!!

"Now, I don't give a f**k who we play. We're gonna f**k them up!"

Atlanta and St. Louis had a chippy NLDS ... and after the Redbirds closed it out 13-1 in Game 5 Wednesday -- Shildt broke out all the cuss words!

"They started some s**t. We finished the s**t," Shildt says in the vid captured by St. Louis outfielder Randy Arozarena. "And, that's how we roll."

Arozarena apologized for posting the footage because it was supposed to be a private moment, but it was still awesome to watch.

"We're gonna take it right to them the whole f**king way. We're gonna kick their f**king ass!"

By the way, "they" is now the Washington Nationals. The two squads are set to face off in the NLCS, a best of 7 series.

As for Shildt, he's known for being a super nice and calm dude -- remember how awesome he was to TMZ Sports when we got him out in NYC earlier this year???

But, clearly, he's got a fiery side ... 'cause his locker room speech was EPIC!!!

As for why he was so jacked up ... St. Louis was pissed off at Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. all series long for his antics at the dish (there were bat flipping and base-running dancing).

Dodgers fans were SO PISSED at Clayton Kershaw for blowing yet another playoff game Wednesday ... they straight-up invited people at Dodger Stadium to run over his jersey!!!

L.A. was up 3-1 late in Game 5 of its NLDS finale with the Nationals ... when Dave Roberts tabbed Kershaw to help close out the game.

But the 3-time Cy Young winner -- who has a long history of fumbling in the playoffs -- choked ... and gave up the Dodgers' lead on back-to-back homers in the 8th.

Of course, the Dodgers went on to lose the game in the 10th inning ... and that's when L.A. fans took to the stadium parking lot with Kershaw jerseys in hand.

You can see in video shot by LZ Granderson ... people laid the No. 22 jersey just beneath tires, and fans happily ran it over.

For his part, 31-year-old Kershaw admitted to sucking once again ... telling reporters after the game, "Everything people say is true right now about the postseason. I understand that."

He added, "Nothing I can do about it right now. It's a terrible feeling. It really is."

The star pitcher ultimately gave up 5 earned runs in 6.1 innings in his two appearances in the series ... and added after Game 5, "I might not get over it."

For their part, his teammates tried to stick up for him and are already forgiving the guy for his poor postseason.

The Atlanta Braves did NOT pass out their traditional foam tomahawks prior to Game 5 of the NLDS on Wednesday ... after St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley -- a member of the Cherokee tribe -- spoke out against the promotion.

FYI -- the Braves have passed out the foam tomahawks on each seat in the stadium for postseason games in the past ... and adopted the accompanying chant from Florida State when Deion Sanders played for Atlanta in the 1990s.

Helsley made it clear he wasn't a fan of the props -- or the "Tomahawk Chop" chant that comes with it -- earlier in the Cards' series with ATL ... saying it misrepresents Native Americans.

"[It] just depicts them in this kind of caveman-type people way who aren't intellectual," Helsley told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"That gentleman just barehanded the ball, he was excited. He got an $8 baseball!"

That gentleman is Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard, who went home with a souvenir after impressively snagging a foul ball during the Rays playoff game against the Houston Astros Tuesday night!!

Of course, the 24-year-old was the offensive MVP at Alabama when the Tide won the title in 2016, and went on to be a first-round pick to the Bucs in 2017.

The video is great ... Howard throws his arm up in the bottom of the 8th inning to grab the ball with ease, like he was catching a throw from Jameis Winston.

O.J. secured the ball, and proceeded to lose his mind with excitement!!

At first, the announcing crew didn't recognize O.J. ... but when they showed the replay of the highlight play, they weren't as shocked the pro TE was able to come down with the ball.

"Of course, he has good hands, it's Bucs tight end O.J. Howard!!," Kenny Albert said on the broadcast.

"Yeah, he better catch it!!" Joe Girardi joked.