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Jameson Taillon first experienced discomfort before finding out he had testicular cancer, followed by surgery to fix the problem.
That was in 2017. And what Gerrit Cole found amazing was that whenever he was looking to find out how one of his best friends was doing or to offer comfort, Taillon changed the conversation on the pitch. by Cole. He noticed things that might help his teammate and Pirates friend.
“He was giving me his TV take on how I was doing,” Cole said over the phone Sunday, shortly after the news that the Yankees had gotten his friend from the Pirates for four prospects. “He offered his thoughts and was a sounding board like he was still in the clubhouse. Obviously I’m watching him for cancer and he’s always following me to push me and make me better.
That was part of the reason why when Aaron Boone called a few weeks ago to get information on Taillon as the Yankees chased the right-hander Cole could so easily gush. After all, the Yanks had done their homework on Taillon’s throws and wanted an inside view if he had the right things to come to New York.
“I told them, if you’re betting on someone, if you’re going to fight someone, that Jameson is the guy you want next to you,” Cole said. “He’s not scared. He always improves the people around him. He is one of the most resilient people I have ever known.
Taillon was taken with the Pirates’ second overall pick in 2010, Cole with the first overall pick in 2011. They became quick friends, going through similar expectations and a similar rise. Cole immediately noticed the precision of Taillon’s fastball and curveball excellence like he had never seen before. But it was more than that.
Taillon needed Tommy John’s surgery for the first time in minors. He had a hernia. He had testicular cancer. He needed Tommy John surgery again in 2019 and missed out on all of last season. Yet with every physical setback, “He bounces back better than some can even imagine,” Cole said. “He remains incredibly positive. It’s fun to be there when it’s not the easiest thing to do. He always has a positive influence on the culture and the other teammates. He’s a really special guy.
Taillon and Cole competed for Pirate Clubs below .500 in 2016-2017. Now Taillon joins Cole in New York on a team with championship aspirations.
“He’s chomping on the bit to come back,” Cole said. “He will put himself in a good position [in New York] to adapt to all things because he is a pro.
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