Jameson Taillon first felt uncomfortable before finding out he had testicular cancer, and then an operation to address the problem.
It was 2017. And what Gerrit Cole found incredible was that every time he reached out to find out how it was with one of his best friends or to offer comfort, the conversation would shift to Cole’s pitch. To things he noticed that could help his Pirates teammate and friend.
“He gave me his perspective from the TV on how I’m doing,” Cole said by telephone Sunday, not long after it was announced that the Yankees had got his friend for four prospects from the Pirates. ‘He gives his mind and is a sounding board as if he were still in the clubhouse. Obviously I’m coming to him for cancer purposes, and he’s still holding me back from pushing and improving me. ”
That was part of the reason Cole, when Aaron Boone called back a few weeks back to get information about Taillon while the Yankees chased the judge, could so easily flow. After all, the Yanks did their homework on Taillon’s saves and wanted to see an inside if he had the right stuff to get to New York.
“I told them, if you want to bet on someone, if you’re going to fight someone, Jameson is the man you want next to you,” Cole said. “He is not embarrassed. He always makes people around him better. He’s one of the most resilient people I’ve ever known. ”
Taillon was taken by the Pirates in 2010 with the second overall pick, Cole with the first overall pick in 2011. They quickly became friends and went through similar expectations and a similar climb. Cole immediately notices the accuracy of Taillon’s quick and powerful ball excellence, like he’s never seen before. But it was more than that.
Taillon needed Tommy John for the first time in the minor surgery. He had a fracture. He had the testicular cancer. He needed another operation with Tommy John in 2019 and missed last season. Yet, with each physical setback, “he just bounces better out of this than some might even think,” Cole said. “He remains incredibly positive. He’s nice to be around when it’s not the easiest thing to do. He always has a positive influence on the culture and other teammates. He’s a very special guy. ‘
Taillon and Cole teamed up for Pirate clubs under -500 in 2016-17. Now Taillon joins Cole in New York in a team with championship aspirations.
“He’s coming back,” Cole said. ‘He will put himself in a good position [in New York] to adapt to all things, for he is a professional person. ‘