Football teams like to describe their fan base as the 12th man. Billy Cook returned to Pittsburgh on Sunday and will fulfill a similar role.
The cone man.
Cook wasn’t in the lineup for the Pirates’ series finale against the Orioles at PNC Park. However, he was prepared to do some heavy lifting in the home dugout, hopefully hoisting an orange traffic cone whenever something good happens.
“[Jake Mangum and Nick Yorke] are both starting,” Cook said, citing two of the cone’s other caretakers. “I’ll be on the cone.”
The cone craze continues to sweep through the North Shore, and Cook said players are just as excited about the entire ordeal as fans.
“It’s awesome,” Cook said of the fan involvement. “We’ll see where they take it. I heard there were cone costumes and people bringing cones to the game. It’s exciting. We’re enjoying what the fans are doing with it.”
As for some slightly more serious stuff …
Cook was recalled to take the place of Jared Triolo, who went on the 10-day injured list with a right knee patellar tendon injury.
It was a short stint in the Minor Leagues for Cook, who was only optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday to make room for Konnor Griffin.
At least Cook made the most of his time, getting nine at-bats and collecting three hits, including a home run on Saturday in Columbus.
“That was nice to see some live pitching and play a full nine innings,” Cook said. “Just getting back into the swing of things. It’s been a minute since Spring Training.”
It’s been impressive how Cook has handled things. When I talked to Mangum about the cone situation this past Tuesday in Cincinnati, he insisted that I write about Cook and the job he’s done to stay prepared.
Cook really has grasped his role perfectly. He’s happy to help hoist the cone or hand someone a welder’s hood. Whatever the team needs.
Meanwhile, he ensures he stays ready by getting some extra cuts in the cage, keeping his legs loose or finding somewhere indoors to throw, helping the Pirates in key situations as a late-game sub.
“I’ll throw a little, do some bands and arm work,” Cook said. “I’m not a big sit-down guy. If you look at me throughout the game, I’m probably on my feet the whole time. It keeps me loose.
“I try to have a quick and simple routine because the opportunity could be two batters later. You have to make sure you don’t need a whole inning to get warm.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.