State of the Pittsburgh Pirates 2.0: Still Hanging On

Best Stroy: Jameson Taillon

Before May 8, 2017, Taillon had already been through a lot of adversity since being drafted by the Pirates with the second overall pick in 2010. He missed a season due to Tommy John Surgery. He had another cut short with a sports hernia both before he got to the majors. He took a line drive off the head last July. On this day, however, anybody who didn’t already know how gutsy Jameson Taillon was found out, as the Pirates promising young pitcher was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.

Athletes who have been struck with the nightmare of cancer, only to come back stronger than ever, have blessed our city over the years. Penguins immortal Mario Lemieux and Pitt running back James Conner immediately come to mind. Monday, June 12, Taillon affirmed that he had joined that list of people who had come back when he took the mound at PNC Park. Taillon had his work cut out for him. His opponents were the Colorado Rockies, who consistently rank among baseball’s best offensive attacks. Taillon’s return proved to be not only an emotional one but a productive one as well. JT pitched five innings, allowed 0 runs, and the Pirates won 7-2.

There isn’t a whole lot to say about Jamo’s fight that hasn’t been said already. Big number 50 is an inspiration to all, and that is far more important that being a stud starting pitcher, which he most certainly is.