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. Now recuperating and readying for a 2026 return, Cole has been equal parts spectator and coach this season (and occasional color commentator). 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. Gerrit Cole just wiped off the seats for the Sabathia family before CC’s ceremony pic.twitter.com/dd1q64I2UM — Adam Weinrib (@AdamWeinrib) September 7, 2025Yankees ace Gerrit Cole shows respect to CC SabathiaCole'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.