Jameson Taillon first experienced discomfort before discovering he had testicular cancer, then surgery to treat the problem.
It’s 2017. And what Gerrit Cole found incredible was that every time he tried to find out how one of his best friends was or to offer comfort, somehow Taillon changed the conversation to Cole’s pitch. For things, he realized he could help his teammate Pirates and friend.
“He was giving me the TV perspective on how I was doing,” Cole said by phone on Sunday, not long after it was announced that the Yankees had secured their Pirates friend for four candidates. “He was offering his thoughts and being a sounding board as if he were still at the club. Obviously, I am investigating him for cancer and he is still accompanying me to pressure me and make me better. “
It was part of the reason why when Aaron Boone called a few weeks ago to inquire about Taillon while the Yankees were chasing the right-hand man, Cole could easily gush. After all, the Yankees had done their homework on Taillon’s bid and wanted an inside look at whether he had the right stuff to come to New York.
“I told them, if you’re going to bet on someone, if you’re going to fight someone, that Jameson is the guy you want by your side,” said Cole. “He is not disturbed. He always makes the people around him better. He’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever met. “
Taillon was chosen with the Pirates’ second overall choice in 2010, Cole with the first general choice in 2011. They quickly became friends, experiencing similar expectations and a similar climb. Cole immediately realized the accuracy of the fastball and the excellence of Taillon’s curved ball 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’s surgery again in 2019 and missed all last season. However, with each physical setback, “He recovers better than some can imagine,” said Cole. “He remains incredibly positive. It’s fun to be around when it’s not the easiest thing to do. He is always a positive influence on culture and other teammates. He’s a very special guy. “
Taillon and Cole played together for less than 0.500 pirate clubs in 2016-17. Now, Taillon is joining Cole in New York on a team with aspirations for the championship.
“He’s looking forward to going back,” said Cole. “He will put himself in a good position [in New York] to adapt to all things because he is a professional. “