Yankees ace Gerrit Cole shows respect to CC Sabathia with subtle humble gesture

Gerrit Cole is more than likely the next New York Yankees pitcher whose departure from the game will be paired with the same adulation afforded to left-hander CC Sabathia. Both entered the gauntlet in the Bronx as free agents with massive paychecks and commensurate pressure. Sabathia, forever beloved for his leadership, acumen, and ability to put the team on his back, delivered a title in Year 1 that immediately changed and dictated his legacy.

Cole? He got his first season two-thirds stolen, and while he's still seeking the one ring to rule them all, he has shouldered the load and come through in the postseason nearly every time he's been handed the ball in a decider. He was also dealt a horrid double whammy in recent months, when he was on the mound for the Game 5 collapse most would kill to forget, then succumbed to the elbow soreness that had nearly derailed him before 2024 even began.

Now recuperating and readying for a 2026 return, Cole has been equal parts spectator and coach this season (and occasional color commentator). On Sunday afternoon, he added a new role to his resumé.

The Yankees honored Sabathia's Hall of Fame induction prior to their finale with the Blue Jays, and will most likely honor the lefty again next season to formally retire his number. In order to make the torch-passing of the afternoon plainly obvious, the Yankees had Andy Pettitte, the franchise's October legacy arm before Sabathia's arrival, drive him around the outfield in a cart. They also had Cole escort his family to the center of the diamond to await him.

But it's what happened next, when Cole was ostensibly out of the spotlight, that showed why he's so beloved in the Yankees' clubhouse. While the Yankees were playing a bombastic video, Cole stuck around to wipe down the chairs that the Sabathia family was about to occupy after a driving rain had mucked up the morning. Just a little thing. But all class. How many megastars would do this themselves?

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole shows respect to CC Sabathia

Cole's long road back from Tommy John surgery seems a bit shorter these days, as he's resumed throwing and building strength after a season on the shelf.

But, if anything, Cole's 2025 season has proven how much more he has to give than just the power that emerges from his right arm. He's been essential in shepherding Max Fried's journey and teaching Cam Schlittler the tricks of the trade. He's the indelible leader who carries this franchise, even in absentia. And he's also the guy who wipes down the wet chairs of the kings who came before him. It's kind of incredible.