CC pays tribute to sports pioneers

Follow Yankees ace CC Sabathia ( @CC_Sabathia ) throughout the month of February as he tweets a daily tribute to an African-American athlete who made a difference ...

Sabathia explains why he decided to do this:

It's Feb 1... let's kick off black history month by paying tribute to the great athletes who changed their sport and the world around them ... each of them have led the way and inspired me to get to where I am today. So stay tuned I'm going to highlight a different athlete everyday this month, hit me back with your favorites and remember to use #bhm

Feb. 14

"While other people are stuck with joints, he has ball bearings in his legs that give him a mechanical advantage" #bhm

Feb. 13

One of the most durable athletes ever , played his last professional baseball game at the age of 59 #bhm

Feb. 12

Late #bhm s/o tonight... 1st African American manager in MLB history and hall of famer as a player

Feb. 11

The doctor is in... #bhm

Feb. 10

Former Laker great and 3 time NBA finals MVP... and see a pic of me w another Laker great ... who's taller? #bhm

Feb. 9

Todays tribute goes to an all time NFL great who left us too early...2nd all time in sacks, 2 time defensive POY

Feb. 8

The "say hey kid" had 660 HR, .302 avg, 12 gold gloves, and played for the NY Giants? #bhm

Feb. 7

4.12 40 yd dash fastest ever at NFL combine, heisman winner, and only athlete to be named an all star in 2 sports #bhm

Feb. 6

The only rusher in NFL history to avg over 100 yards a game...for his career #bhm

Feb. 5

In honor of today's game, this athlete has 3 rings and was MVP of Super Bowl XXIII #bhm

Feb. 4

The NBA's all time leading scorer, 6 time MVP, 6 time champion, and now serving his country in the State dpmt #bhm

Feb. 3

This athlete was a hero to probably more kids than anyone on my list. I wanna be like ... #bhm

Feb. 2

In honor of his trainer Angelo Dundee (RIP), today's tribute goes to the greatest of all time #bhm

Feb. 1

1st athlete, the "hammer" from Mobile, AL. Broke the Babe's HR record and still holds the record for career RBIs #bhm