Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – Magical Return for Jamo

In our Daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s somewhat difficult to put in to words how magical it was to see Jameson Taillon on the mound against the Colorado Rockies last night.

Taillon, who missed more than a month after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer, showed that he hasn’t missed a beat as he pitched five shutout innings while walking a pair and striking out five in his return at PNC Park.

While it’s great to see Taillon back in a Pirates uniform pitching at a high level, it’s more remarkable to see Taillon – the person – return to the game he clearly loves.

We’ve all been affected by cancer in one way or another. I, like many others, have had people I love taken away by the disease. Quite simply, it’s scary.

So, from the minute Taillon announced his diagnosis, the concern was never about the impact it had on baseball.

Because, this was about more than just a game. It was about a human being who was given a giant obstacle to overcome.

And boy did he overcome it, just like all of the other obstacles that have impeded him throughout the years including Tommy John Surgery and Sports Hernia Surgery.

I know today’s wake-up call hasn’t involved much baseball talk, but I felt as if the topic involving Taillon overcoming this huge obstacle was something worth talking about.

Throughout the last month, it’s been clear that Taillon has received a ton of support throughout this process whether it be from Pirates fans or local celebrities including Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner, who has been in Taillon’s position before as well.

According to Stephen Nesbitt, Pirates beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Taillon has a supporter in Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis as well.

Along with countless others, I am proud to show support for Taillon – a talent on the field, but an even stronger individual off it.

His presence has been missed by many and it’s incredible to see him healthy. All in all, it’s a pleasure to say, Welcome Back Jamo.

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