Anthony Rizzo and Jameson Taillon may have started as teammates in New York, but their bond was built long before they wore the same uniform—and it will endure long after they hang up their cleats
Their story is one of hope, laughter, and defying the odds. And while baseball is what brought them together, their legacy will be remembered for so much more.
In the end, Jameson Taillon’s comments didn’t aim to tear down Anthony Rizzo but rather to lighten the mood after a devastating series loss.
While the Yankees will have plenty to evaluate before next season, this quirky moment has given fans something else to talk about—a bit of comic relief in an otherwise heartbreaking ending.
Rizzo’s love for the game, his teammates, and even his prank phone calls will remain part of his legacy. And who knows? The next time the Yankees are in a clutch situation, fans everywhere might be counting mound visits… just in case.
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Table of Contents
Anthony Rizzo and Jameson Taillon: Brotherhood Forged Through Battle
In Major League Baseball, it’s easy to get caught up in stats, standings, and championship runs.1
But sometimes, the most powerful stories transcend the field. The bond between Anthony Rizzo and Jameson Taillon is a perfect example.
Two men—both elite athletes, both cancer survivors—whose friendship and mutual respect have created moments that far surpass a typical teammate connection.
Their inspiring resilience, humor, and heart have left an indelible mark not only on their teams but on the world of sports at large.
Okay thank you for all of the recommendations!! Akihabara “electric city” was electric! Had to get some Tokyo keepsakes to add to the collection pic.twitter.com/6uO4NT2hWE
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon50) March 14, 2025
Anthony Rizzo’s Early Battle with Cancer
Before Anthony Rizzo became a World Series champion and fan favorite in Chicago, he faced one of life’s toughest battles.
At just 18 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008 while playing in the Boston Red Sox minor league system. The diagnosis came as a shock to the young first baseman, but he responded with incredible strength.
Rizzo underwent six months of chemotherapy, a grueling process for anyone, let alone someone chasing the dream of playing Major League Baseball. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he maintained his focus and determination, ultimately reaching remission in September 2008.
Building a Legacy Beyond Baseball
Instead of leaving that experience in the past, Rizzo used it to fuel a much larger mission. In 2012, he launched the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at supporting cancer patients and their families.
The foundation offers financial and emotional support, raises awareness about childhood and adolescent cancer, and funds research initiatives.
Rizzo has said that the emotional strain cancer puts on a family is just as difficult as the physical toll on the patient.
Through his foundation, he has donated millions to cancer research hospitals like Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and has made countless hospital visits to support young patients—often without any cameras present.
Jameson Taillon’s Own Journey
Jameson Taillon, a talented right-handed pitcher, faced his own battle with cancer years after Rizzo. In 2017, while with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.2
Just 25 years old at the time, Taillon underwent surgery to remove one of his testicles. Remarkably, he returned to a Major League mound just five weeks later.
Though his return to pitching was swift, Taillon admits the mental recovery took longer. The fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability that come with a cancer diagnosis aren’t easily shaken.
But with time, therapy, and the support of fellow survivors like Rizzo, Taillon found his way back—both physically and emotionally. By 2019, he was declared cancer-free.
Becoming Teammates in New York
Rizzo and Taillon became teammates on the New York Yankees in 2021.
By then, both had carved out respectable MLB careers—Rizzo as a three-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner, and Taillon as a reliable starting pitcher with a strong work ethic. Their shared history, however, made their bond different from any other player dynamic.
Though cancer is never an easy topic, the pair found comfort in knowing someone else truly understood what they’d been through.
Their dugout conversations weren’t always serious, but there was always an undercurrent of empathy, support, and mutual admiration.
The Mound Visit That Became Legend
One of the most memorable moments between Rizzo and Taillon didn’t happen at a press conference or charity event—but during a crucial moment in a game.
During a recent appearance on the “Digging Deep Show,” Taillon recalled a quirky, unforgettable mound visit from Rizzo.
“I was in Tampa one time, and I think it was like the eighth inning,” Taillon shared. “I’m falling behind a guy. Rizzo comes out, and like we had talked, we’ve both had cancer and stuff, so he comes out and he’s like, ‘Hey, I know you only have one nut, but like, I want you to pitch right here like you have two. Let ’em hang out.'”
It was a shocking, bizarre, and hilarious thing to hear mid-game—but it worked. Taillon regrouped, locked in, and struck out the batter to escape a dangerous inning.
It’s a story that perfectly captures the type of man Rizzo is: someone who knows when to motivate with seriousness, and when to break the tension with humor.
Finding Strength in Shared Adversity
For cancer survivors, there’s often a silent language that passes between them—a knowing glance, a nod of respect.
Rizzo and Taillon have spoken about how surviving cancer changes your perspective, your appreciation for each day, and even how you approach your career.
“You just never take anything for granted,” Taillon has said. “Every day you wake up healthy is a blessing.”
Their shared resilience also helps teammates who may be struggling—on or off the field. Whether it’s an injury, a slump, or something more personal, both Rizzo and Taillon bring a level of emotional intelligence to the locker room that’s shaped by experience few others can relate to.
Jameson Taillon‘s Ongoing Career
Jameson Taillon, now 33, continues to pitch for the Chicago Cubs. While he may not be an ace in the traditional sense, his story, character, and commitment to the game make him a valued presence on any roster.3
Beyond his on-field performance, Taillon has also become a role model for perseverance. He’s battled not only cancer but also Tommy John surgery and other injuries, yet continues to grind, improve, and mentor younger players.
Lessons From Their Story
The story of Anthony Rizzo and Jameson Taillon isn’t just about surviving cancer—it’s about what you do afterward. Both men returned to professional sports at the highest level.
Both used their experience to inspire and support others. Both remind us that even in the face of something as frightening as cancer, humor, determination, and compassion can light the way forward.
Their friendship proves that the strongest teams aren’t always built on stats and salary caps—but on shared values, loyalty, and heart.
Rizzo’s Next Chapter
Now 34 years old, Anthony Rizzo enters the next phase of his career as a free agent after the Yankees declined his $17 million option for the 2025 season.
He struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2024, raising questions about his future in the league.
But whether he plays again or not, Rizzo’s impact on the sport—and the lives he’s touched—can’t be overstated. His advocacy work, his leadership in the clubhouse, and his human spirit make him one of the most respected figures in MLB.
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Jameson Taillon Mocks Anthony Rizzo’s Mound Visits
A Humorous Footnote in a Painful World Series Loss
The 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers was filled with unforgettable drama, strategic blunders, and headline-worthy moments.
However, one of the most unexpected and humorous storylines to emerge came after the series, when former Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon took a jab at Anthony Rizzo for his frequent mound visits.
While the Yankees’ crushing loss in Game 5 remains a sore memory, Taillon’s playful remarks added levity to the post-series fallout. Let’s explore the context, the humor, and the broader implications surrounding this quirky baseball moment.
The Costly Miscommunication in Game 5
- The pivotal moment that sparked this entire conversation occurred during Game 5 of the World Series. The Yankees were clinging to a narrow lead when Dodgers slugger Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate.
- What should have been a routine out turned chaotic when Anthony Rizzo and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole had a critical miscommunication.
- Rizzo, known for his leadership and in-game awareness, approached the mound to talk with Cole. However, the interaction didn’t result in any clarity.
- Instead, Betts took advantage of the Yankees’ confusion and managed to reach first base on what appeared to be a simple grounder.
- The Dodgers would go on to rally in that inning, eventually winning the game and taking a 3-2 series lead—momentum they would never relinquish.
- After the World Series ended in heartbreak for Yankees fans, the Dodgers celebrated their championship.
- But that didn’t stop players from dissecting the series in interviews and on social media. One of the more biting critiques came from Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech.
- In a podcast interview, Kopech made a veiled jab at Rizzo, saying, “I’m not sure any pitcher actually wants him on the mound during pressure moments.”
- Kopech’s comments raised eyebrows, especially given Rizzo’s reputation as a team-first leader and a veteran voice in the Yankees clubhouse.
- Whether Kopech intended it as light banter or genuine criticism, his remark only set the stage for Jameson Taillon’s humorous entry into the discussion.
Jameson Taillon’s Witty Jab
Jameson Taillon, now a Chicago Cubs pitcher but formerly a Yankee, couldn’t resist chiming in.
Known for his deadpan delivery and clubhouse humor, Taillon made headlines when he jokingly said, “No one loves a mound visit more than him (Rizzo). They put the five-visit rule in place because of him.”
Taillon’s comment was widely shared across social media platforms, quickly going viral among baseball fans.
Though clearly made in jest, the remark tapped into a truth that many Yankees pitchers likely chuckled about in private—Rizzo’s habit of frequent mound visits.
His playful roast sparked plenty of laughter among fans and commentators alike. Taillon wasn’t condemning his former teammate, but rather highlighting Rizzo’s quirky, over-involved approach to in-game leadership.
The Five-Visit Rule: A Tongue-in-Cheek Blame
Major League Baseball’s mound visit rule, limiting teams to five non-pitching-change mound visits per nine innings, was implemented in 2018 to improve pace of play. The rule applies to catchers, coaches, and yes—first basemen like Anthony Rizzo.
While Taillon obviously exaggerated by crediting Rizzo with the rule’s creation, his comment sparked a wave of memes and fan commentary.
It also brought renewed attention to the purpose of the rule and how often it is unintentionally pushed to its limit by players with strong personalities and leadership instincts.
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A Quirky Footnote
If Taillon’s comments weren’t enough to paint Rizzo as the ultimate dugout jokester, another story resurfaced in the aftermath.
Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey once shared a hilarious anecdote involving Rizzo making prank phone calls to the bullpen mid-game.
According to Harkey, “Rizzo would call down to the bullpen just to mess with us. I had to yell at him once because I thought it was a real situation. He laughed for five minutes.”
Such stories only reinforce the image of Rizzo as a clubhouse clown with impeccable timing—both on the field and on the phone.
Yankees Clubhouse Culture: Light-Hearted or Distracted?
Taillon and Harkey’s remarks, though humorous, also invite a deeper conversation about the culture within the Yankees clubhouse.
Was Rizzo’s behavior an example of a loose and bonded team? Or was it a sign of a distracted and disorganized group during a critical championship run?
Critics argue that moments like the Game 5 miscommunication could be emblematic of a team lacking focus.
Supporters counter that players like Rizzo bring levity and unity, which are just as important as stats and strategy in a 162-game grind.
Either way, the Yankees’ inability to close out the Dodgers, despite their stacked roster and strong regular-season showing, leaves room for scrutiny.
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