Inside Gerrit Cole’s final moments of control before the start of his second act
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to make his return Friday after missing 15 months recovering from Tommy John surgery, marking a significant moment for both him and the team aiming to end their 17-year World Series drought.
- Cole’s pre-pitch routine includes a solitary crouch behind the mound, a mental preparation technique he has used for years to gather focus, steady his breathing, and regain control over his emotions and the game’s pace.
- Emphasizing the importance of mental control, Cole credits sports psychology principles learned early in his career, which help him manage the volatility of baseball and maintain performance under pressure.
- Cole’s approach to focus and control mirrors habits of other elite pitchers, using sensory cues and rituals to anchor himself during competition, a method that extends beyond the mound into his overall disciplined mindset.
- Confident but aware of the challenges ahead, Cole looks forward to returning to the mound and applying his physical and mental preparation to contribute to the Yankees’ success this season.