Gerrit Cole displays New York Yankees loyalty during press conference
The New York Yankees officially introduced Gerrit Cole as a member of the team and showed off his longtime fandom of the franchise
Gerrit Cole was a happy man during his introductory press conference earlier this week. The All-Star pitcher is 324 million dollars richer and settled under contract with the New York Yankees for the next nine seasons.
The new Yankees ace was introduced sporting his new freshly shaved haircut. The reality of Cole in New York was a welcome sight for Yankees fans around the world. The unexpected addition to the press conference was a big part of Cole’s past that may have helped influence his free agency decision. Cole pulled out an old handmade sign that he’s had since his childhood years as a Yankees fan.
The dominant starting pitcher was a vital part of the Houston Astros’ recent success, but his dream has always been Yankees pinstripes. Cole explained the sign during the conference and his love for the franchise all these years.
"“It’s 18 years old,” he said. “I had it on my wall for a few years and I think that’s why it faded. I tucked it in my closet. My folks brought it down after we came to terms [with the Yankees]. They dropped the sign off. I decided I should bring it to New York.”"
"“I kept the sign,” he said. “I love the sign.”"
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was on hand as well during the press conference as he is now positioned with elite starting pitching in his rotation. The addition of Cole gives New York a legit top tier starter alongside a hopefully healthy veteran staff. A staff that is similar to the past rotations that helped New York to several World Series titles during Cole’s childhood.
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The Yankees sent Andy Pettite as a representative to meet with Cole and persuade him to sign. Cole’s love for the Yankees and Pettite’s appearance was the icing on the over 300 million dollar cake. The Yankees are fortunate that their fanbase is loyal and willing to remain such even if they become Major League Baseball stars.