SAN DIEGO -- Gerrit Cole's success in collaborating with New York Yankees backup catcher Kyle Higashioka continues to be closely dissected.
But a simple gesture may offer a telling glimpse into the nature of their bond.
More than a decade ago, Cole and Higashioka, both Southern California natives, were scouted by Yankees talent evaluator David Keith. Keith, who also drafted former backup catcher Austin Romine, was the scout responsible for the Yankees selecting Cole and Higashioka in the 2008 draft.
It would take another 12 years for the pitcher whom general manager Brian Cashman has called his "white whale" to make his debut in pinstripes.