History of Gerrit Cole in Timeline
Gerrit Cole is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2008 but opted to attend UCLA instead. After a successful college career, he was drafted again and made his MLB debut in 2011 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has also played for the Houston Astros.
1907: Cole Matches Nick Maddox's Feat
Gerrit Cole became the first Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher since Nick Maddox in 1907 to start his career with wins in his first four starts, showcasing his immediate impact on the team.
1920: Historic Debut Performance
Gerrit Cole's MLB debut was particularly memorable as he became the fourth pitcher since 1920 to drive in 2+ runs and earn the win in his first game.
1964: Downing's Strikeout Leadership
In 1964, Al Downing was the last Yankee to lead the American League in strikeouts before Gerrit Cole achieved this feat in 2022.
1973: Seaver Sets Postseason Strikeout Record
In Game 1 of the 1973 National League Championship Series, Tom Seaver delivered a historic pitching performance, striking out 13 batters without issuing a single walk. This feat stood as a testament to Seaver's exceptional command and control on the mound, marking a record that would later be matched by Gerrit Cole in his 2020 Yankees playoff debut.
1973: Seaver Sets Postseason Strikeout Record
In the 1973 National League Championship Series, Tom Seaver set a remarkable postseason record by striking out at least 12 hitters without issuing any walks. This accomplishment stood as a unique feat for years, later matched by Gerrit Cole in the 2018 American League Division Series.
1978: Joining an Elite Group of Pitchers
Gerrit Cole joined an exclusive group of pitchers, including Rich Gale of the 1978 Kansas City Royals, who achieved four consecutive wins in their first four career starts.
September 8, 1990: Gerrit Cole is Born
Gerrit Alan Cole was born on September 8, 1990.
1997: Cone Sets Yankees Strikeout Record for First Three Starts
In 1997, David Cone set a Yankees record by achieving 29 strikeouts within the first three starts of the season, showcasing his impressive ability to dominate batters early in the year. This record would later be matched by Gerrit Cole in 2021, demonstrating Cole's ability to generate strikeouts at a similar rate as one of the Yankees' pitching greats.
2001: Clemens' All-Star Game Start
Roger Clemens was the last Yankees pitcher to start in the MLB All-Star Game before Gerrit Cole in 2023.
2001: Randy Johnson Achieves Fastest 300 Strikeouts
In 2001, Randy Johnson accomplished a remarkable feat by reaching 300 strikeouts in just 197.67 innings pitched, setting a record for the fastest time to reach this milestone. This achievement showcased Johnson's exceptional ability to generate strikeouts at a rate unmatched by his contemporaries.
2001: Cole Attends the 2001 World Series
Gerrit Cole attended the 2001 World Series as a spectator, where the Yankees played.
2002: Kaz Ishii Achieves Four Straight Wins
In 2002, Kaz Ishii of the Los Angeles Dodgers also achieved the impressive feat of starting his MLB career with four consecutive wins, a testament to his pitching dominance early on.
2006: Cole Receives his Toyota Tacoma
Gerrit Cole received his white 2006 Toyota Tacoma as a gift from his father.
2006: Jered Weaver's Dominant Start
Jered Weaver of the 2006 Los Angeles Angels made a strong start to his MLB career, achieving four straight wins in his first four starts, joining a select group of talented pitchers.
2008: High School All-Star Recognition
In 2008, Gerrit Cole received national recognition for his high school baseball talent, being named to the USA Today All-USA high school baseball team and earning a spot as the starting pitcher for the Orange County North-South All-Star Game.
2008: High School Standout and MLB Draft Pick
In 2008, Gerrit Cole showcased his baseball talents at Orange Lutheran High School, earning a spot on the USA Today All-USA high school baseball team. His exceptional skills caught the attention of the New York Yankees, who selected him in the first round of the MLB Draft.
2008: Drafted by the Yankees and Commitment to UCLA
In 2008, Gerrit Cole was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the MLB Draft. Despite a lucrative offer from the Yankees, Cole chose to honor his commitment to play college baseball at UCLA, prioritizing his education and development.
2008: Scott Lewis Joins the Exclusive Club
In 2008, Scott Lewis of the Cleveland Indians became the latest pitcher to join the elite club of pitchers who started their MLB careers with four consecutive wins.
2009: Cole Joins the US Collegiate National Team
Gerrit Cole's exceptional pitching abilities earned him a spot on the 2009 United States collegiate national baseball team, marking his early recognition as a top-tier talent.
2010: Jameson Taillon Drafted by the Pirates
In 2010, Jameson Taillon was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, a notable event as he would later join forces with Gerrit Cole in the minor leagues, forming a formidable pitching duo.
2010: UCLA's Historic Season and College World Series Appearance
In 2010, Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer led the UCLA Bruins to their best baseball season in history, culminating in an appearance in the College World Series. This remarkable season solidified Cole's status as a top prospect in college baseball.
2010: Cole Continues to Shine on the US Collegiate National Team
In 2010, Gerrit Cole was again selected for the US collegiate national team, showcasing his consistent dominance in college baseball and his potential for future success.
August 15, 2011: Cole Signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates
On August 15, 2011, Gerrit Cole signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, receiving a record-breaking signing bonus, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
November 2011: AFL Rising Stars Game Selection
Gerrit Cole's impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) earned him a selection to the AFL Rising Stars game in November 2011, showcasing his rapid development and potential for success at higher levels of baseball.
2011: First Overall Pick in the MLB Draft
Gerrit Cole's exceptional college baseball career led to him being selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
2011: Cole's Junior Year at UCLA
Gerrit Cole's performance saw a slight dip in his junior year at UCLA in 2011, though he still maintained a respectable record and ERA, demonstrating his resilience and potential for growth.
June 15, 2012: Promotion to Class AA Eastern League
On June 15, 2012, Gerrit Cole was promoted to the Altoona Curve of the Class AA Eastern League, marking his steady progress through the minor leagues.
August 29, 2012: Promotion to Class AAA International League
Gerrit Cole's continued success in the minor leagues led to his promotion to the Indianapolis Indians of the Class AAA International League on August 29, 2012, bringing him closer to his major league debut.
June 11, 2013: MLB Debut
On June 11, 2013, Gerrit Cole made his highly anticipated MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a significant milestone in his baseball career.
September 2013: NL Rookie of the Month
Gerrit Cole's outstanding performance in September 2013 earned him the National League Rookie of the Month Award. His impressive record, ERA, and strikeout numbers solidified his status as one of the league's most promising young pitchers.
September 2013: NL Rookie of the Month
Gerrit Cole's performance in September 2013 earned him the title of National League Rookie of the Month.
2013: Phil Hughes' Challenging First Inning
In 2013, Phil Hughes had a difficult game where he allowed the most runs in the first inning at home.
2013: Cole Starts the Season with Indianapolis Indians
Gerrit Cole began the 2013 season with the Indianapolis Indians, continuing to hone his skills and prepare for his eventual call-up to the major leagues.
September 7, 2014: Cole Hits First Career Home Run
On September 7, 2014, Gerrit Cole achieved a personal milestone by hitting his first career home run at Wrigley Field. The home run came off of Chicago Cubs pitcher Blake Parker.
2014: Cole Focuses on Improving Curveball and Slider
In 2014, after a successful rookie season focused on his fastball, Cole entered spring training aiming to refine his curveball and slider. Despite pitching over 75 innings, manager Clint Hurdle announced in June that Cole would require at least one start off due to shoulder fatigue. Subsequently, Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list, returning to action later that month.
April 2015: Cole Wins NL Pitcher of the Month
Gerrit Cole's impressive performance in April 2015 earned him the NL Pitcher of the Month award. He boasted a 4-0 record, a 1.76 ERA, and an impressive 35 strikeouts in just over 30 innings pitched. Despite his stellar regular season, Cole couldn't replicate the success in the postseason. He was chosen to start the 2015 National League Wild Card Game against the Chicago Cubs but ended up taking the loss.
April 2015: NL Pitcher of the Month
Gerrit Cole's pitching prowess in April 2015 was recognized with the National League Pitcher of the Month award.
2015: Cole Achieves Best ERA Since 2015
Gerrit Cole's performance in 2018 was a return to form, marked by a career-high 276 strikeouts and a 2.88 ERA, his best since the 2015 season.
June 14, 2016: Cole Sidelined with Triceps Strain
On June 14, 2016, Gerrit Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a right triceps strain.
2017: Trade to the Houston Astros
In the 2017-2018 offseason, Gerrit Cole was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Houston Astros, marking a significant move in his MLB career.
2017: Cole Leads National League in Starts
In 2017, Gerrit Cole led the National League with 33 starts, though his season ended with a 12-12 record and a 4.26 ERA.
2017: Cole's Pitching Evolution (2017-2018)
Between 2017 and 2018, Gerrit Cole's pitching style evolved, incorporating increased spin rate, complete arm deceleration, and follow-through, resulting in a lower WHIP for his fastball.
January 13, 2018: Cole Traded to the Houston Astros
In a significant move on January 13, 2018, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros. The Astros acquired Cole in exchange for Joe Musgrove, Michael Feliz, Colin Moran, and Jason Martin.
January 2018: Pirates and Cole Agree to One-Year Contract
In January 2018, the Pirates and Gerrit Cole reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $6.75 million.
February 2018: Astros Improve Cole's Pitching
Starting in February 2018 and continuing through the 2019 season, Gerrit Cole's pitching performance underwent a significant transformation thanks to the intervention of the Astros' management and coaching staff. Cole dramatically decreased his use of two-seam fastballs, opting to throw more towards the top of the strike zone, and notably increased the spin rate of his fastball. This strategic adjustment resulted in a marked improvement in Cole's overall performance, highlighting the impact of effective coaching and a data-driven approach to player development.
April 29, 2018: Cole Breaks Astros Strikeout Record for April
On April 29, 2018, Gerrit Cole struck out 12 hitters in a game against the Oakland Athletics. Though the game ended in a no-decision, the Astros secured the victory. With this performance, Cole set a new Astros strikeout record for the month of April, racking up an impressive 61 strikeouts. He concluded his first month with the Astros with a 2-1 record, a 1.73 ERA, and 61 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched.
2018: Cole's Pitching Evolution (2017-2018)
Between 2017 and 2018, Gerrit Cole's pitching style evolved, incorporating increased spin rate, complete arm deceleration, and follow-through, resulting in a lower WHIP for his fastball.
2018: Cole's Home Run Rate in 2018
Gerrit Cole allowed his lowest number of home runs in a full season since 2018 during the 2023 season.
2018: Cole Elected to First American League All-Star Appearance
In 2018, Gerrit Cole received his first American League All-Star selection, his second overall All-Star game selection. Despite not appearing in the game, Cole had a remarkable first half of the season, finishing with a 10-2 record, a 2.52 ERA, and an impressive 177 strikeouts. Notably, Cole led the majors in strikeouts per 9 innings with a rate of 12.40. In the postseason, Cole's dominance continued. During Game 2 of the 2018 American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians, Cole delivered an outstanding performance, striking out 12 batters and allowing no walks in seven innings, contributing to a 3-1 victory for the Astros. This feat made Cole only the second pitcher in history to achieve at least 12 strikeouts with no walks in a postseason game, joining Tom Seaver, who achieved the same in the 1973 National League Championship Series.
September 8, 2019: Cole Achieves Historic Strikeout Streak
On his 29th birthday, September 8, 2019, Gerrit Cole etched his name in baseball history by becoming only the second pitcher ever to strike out 14 or more hitters in three consecutive games.
September 18, 2019: Cole Achieves 300 Strikeouts
Gerrit Cole became the 18th pitcher in MLB history to strike out at least 300 batters in a single season on September 18, 2019.
September 24, 2019: Cole Breaks Astros Single-Season Strikeout Record
Continuing his dominant 2019 season, Gerrit Cole struck out 14 batters on September 24, 2019, setting a new single-season strikeout record for any Astros pitcher. This impressive performance brought his total strikeouts for the year to 316, a testament to his remarkable pitching prowess. He achieved this feat while allowing only two singles during his seven scoreless innings on the mound.
September 29, 2019: Cole Sets MLB Record for Consecutive Double-Digit Strikeout Games
On September 29, 2019, Gerrit Cole set a remarkable MLB record by achieving his ninth consecutive outing with at least 10 strikeouts. This achievement showcased his exceptional ability to consistently generate strikeouts, making him a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
December 16, 2019: Yankees Sign Cole to Record-Breaking Contract
On December 16, 2019, Gerrit Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees, setting a new record for the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history.
December 18, 2019: Yankees Sign Cole to Record-Breaking Contract
On December 18, 2019, Gerrit Cole signed a historic contract with the New York Yankees, a nine-year deal worth $324 million. This agreement set a new record for the largest contract ever signed by a pitcher, surpassing Stephen Strasburg's seven-year, $245 million contract. With an average annual value of $36 million, Cole's contract also established a new record for the highest average annual value in Major League Baseball history, eclipsing the previous record held by Mike Trout at $35.5 million. A notable clause in the contract allowed Cole to opt out and re-enter free agency after the fifth year. However, the Yankees retained the right to prevent him from doing so by adding an additional year and $36 million to his contract, potentially extending the total length and value to 10 years and $360 million.
2019: Cole's Dominant 2019 Season
Throughout the 2019 season, Gerrit Cole's pitching performance continued to impress, showcasing the positive impact of the Astros' coaching.
2019: Cole's First Team All-MLB Selection (2019)
In 2019, while playing for the Houston Astros, Cole was named to the First Team All-MLB, an accolade he received again in 2021.
2019: Cole's Sign Goes Viral
In 2019, a photo of Gerrit Cole from the 2001 World Series holding a sign supporting the Yankees went viral after he signed with the team.
2019: Cole's Historic 2019 Season
Gerrit Cole's 2019 season was one for the record books. He finished with an impressive 20-5 record and a 0.895 WHIP. Leading the American League with a 2.50 ERA, Cole also topped the major leagues in strikeouts (326), strikeout percentage (39.9%), and strikeouts per nine innings (13.818). This phenomenal performance made Cole the first full-time starting pitcher in MLB history to average more than 1.5 strikeouts per inning in a single season. Despite his exceptional season, Cole finished second in the 2019 Cy Young Award voting, behind his teammate Justin Verlander. Cole received 159 points, while Verlander garnered 171 points.
2019: Astros Franchise Strikeout Record
Gerrit Cole set a franchise record for strikeouts in a single season for the Houston Astros in 2019 with 326 strikeouts.
2019: Cole's Pitching Strategy in the 2019 ALDS
During the first round of the 2019 ALDS, Cole relied on a mix of high fastballs, sliders, and knuckle curveballs to strike out batters.
January 1, 2020: Cole's Wife Announces Pregnancy
On January 1, 2020, Amy Crawford, Gerrit Cole's wife, announced her first pregnancy.
June 30, 2020: Birth of Caden Gerrit Cole
On June 30, 2020, Gerrit Cole's first son, Caden Gerrit Cole, was born.
July 23, 2020: Cole Makes Yankees Debut on Opening Day
Gerrit Cole made his highly anticipated debut as a Yankee on July 23, 2020, taking the mound as the starting pitcher on Opening Day against the Washington Nationals. In his debut, Cole showcased his exceptional pitching skills, allowing just one hit—a home run by Adam Eaton—over five innings.
August 4, 2020: Cole Sets Strikeout Record Since Last Loss
By August 4, 2020, Gerrit Cole had accumulated 242 strikeouts since his last loss, setting a new Major League record. This remarkable feat showcased his ability to consistently strike out batters over an extended period of dominance on the mound.
August 26, 2020: Cole's Winning Streak Ends
Gerrit Cole's impressive regular-season winning streak, which had reached 20 games—the third-longest in MLB history—came to an end on August 26, 2020, when he suffered a loss against the Atlanta Braves.
September 11, 2020: Cole Ends Losing Streak with Shutout
After a three-game losing streak, Gerrit Cole bounced back with a resounding performance on September 11, 2020. He threw a two-hit complete game shutout against the Baltimore Orioles, ending his recent slump in dominant fashion. As it was a doubleheader, the game only lasted seven innings, yet Cole's impact was undeniable. Cole's first season as a Yankee concluded with a 7-3 record, a 2.84 ERA in 73 innings pitched, and an impressive 94 strikeouts.
September 29, 2020: Cole Shines in Yankees Playoff Debut
Gerrit Cole made his Yankees playoff debut on September 29, 2020, in Game 1 of the wild-card series against the Cleveland Indians. Cole's performance was nothing short of exceptional, striking out 13 batters without issuing a single walk. This dominant outing tied Tom Seaver's record for strikeouts without a walk in a postseason game, achieved in Game 1 of the 1973 National League Championship Series. Moreover, Cole became the first Major Leaguer in history to win three postseason games with 12 or more strikeouts, cementing his reputation as a dominant force in the playoffs. In the Yankees franchise history, only Roger Clemens surpassed Cole in strikeouts in a single postseason start, with an impressive 15 strikeouts. During the 2020 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Cole showcased his pitching prowess once again. He secured the win in Game 1 and received a no-decision in the decisive Game 5, which the Yankees unfortunately lost.
December 4, 2020: Cole Elected to MLBPA Executive Subcommittee
On December 4, 2020, Gerrit Cole was elected to the MLBPA's Executive Subcommittee.
2020: Cole's Second Team All-MLB Selection (2020)
In 2020, Gerrit Cole was selected for the Second Team All-MLB as a member of the New York Yankees.
May 12, 2021: Cole Achieves 1,500th Career Strikeout
Gerrit Cole achieved a significant milestone on May 12, 2021, recording his 1,500th career strikeout. This achievement solidified Cole's position as one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in baseball history, reaching this impressive milestone faster than any pitcher except for the legendary Randy Johnson.
2021: Cole's Performance in the 2021 AL Wild Card Game
During the 2021 American League Wild Card Game, Cole pitched for two innings, giving up three earned runs and two home runs in a loss against the Boston Red Sox.
2021: Cole's 2021 Season Performance
In 2021, Gerrit Cole had a 3.23 ERA and 243 strikeouts, leading the American League with 16 wins and a 5.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He secured second place in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
October 4, 2022: Cole Sets Yankees Franchise Strikeout Record
On October 4, 2022, Gerrit Cole achieved a new franchise record for the New York Yankees by recording his 249th strikeout of the season.
2022: Cole Reintroduces Cutter
In 2022, Gerrit Cole reintroduced his cutter to his pitching arsenal, a pitch he had not thrown since college.
2022: UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame Induction and Franchise Strikeout Records
In 2022, Gerrit Cole was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable college baseball career. He also holds the franchise record for strikeouts in a single season for both the Astros (326 in 2019) and the Yankees (257 in 2022).
January 2, 2023: Birth of Everett Cole
Gerrit Cole's second son, Everett, was born on January 2, 2023.
July 10, 2023: Cole Starts in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game
On July 10, 2023, Gerrit Cole was chosen as the starting pitcher for the MLB All-Star game, marking the first time a Yankees pitcher had started the game since Roger Clemens in 2001.
2023: Cole Continues to Drive His 2006 Toyota Tacoma
As of 2023, Gerrit Cole still drives his 2006 Toyota Tacoma, a gift from his father during his high school years.
2023: Cole's Performance in the 2023 Season
In 2023, Cole had a successful season, finishing with a 15-4 record, a 2.63 ERA, and 222 strikeouts. His salary of $36 million was the 6th highest in the American League.
2023: American League Cy Young Award
In 2023, Gerrit Cole received the prestigious American League Cy Young Award by unanimous vote, recognizing him as the best pitcher in the league.
March 28, 2024: Cole Placed on Injured List
On March 28, 2024, Gerrit Cole was placed on the 60-day injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow.