“I remember as a boy dreaming about being a baseball player, specifically a Yankee,” said Pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Now at 29 years old, Cole finally gets to wear Yankee pinstripes — after signing what's being called the richest contract for a major league pitcher.
As a member of the Houston Astros, Cole came within one game of winning the World Series this fall.
He says his quest for a World Series ring lines up well with what the Yankees are hoping to achieve.
“I’m as hungry as ever to finish that journey, finish that challenge. And in my opinion, there would be no better place to do it than in New York,” Cole said.
And Yankees manager Aaron Boone says he believes his new lineup has the goods for the Bombers to win their first World Series since 2009.
“I know he’s going to love wearing this uniform and showing up to work every day with a bunch of guys that are like minded that are really hungry to add another championship to this organization,” said Boone.
“The high profile signing of Gerrit Cole is one that the Yankees literally want everyone to know about. Just outside of Yankee Stadium, there’s this giant sign that reads Welcome to New York, Gerrit Cole.”
Some fans say they are ecstatic about the Yankees' pricey acquisition.
Cole’s wife, Amy, said while it will be difficult living far from their families in California, she’s excited about their big move to the Big Apple.
“I love Broadway shows. I’m excited to see some more. I don’t know. I’m just excited to get to know the city better. I’m from California, born and raised there, so it’s very different,” she said.