David Cone: The Diamond Maestro
An analytical chronicle of a pitching virtuoso, from collegiate promise and major league debut to his iconic perfect game and subsequent broadcasting endeavors.
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Player Profile
Origins
Born on January 2, 1963, in Kansas City, Missouri, David Cone's early athletic pursuits extended beyond baseball. He excelled as a quarterback in American football and a point guard in basketball at Rockhurst High School. Due to the absence of a baseball team at his high school, Cone honed his skills in a local college summer league. His athletic prowess earned him recruitment for both collegiate football and baseball, ultimately leading him to the University of Missouri.
Draft and Early Career
Cone's professional journey commenced when he was drafted by his hometown Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 1981 Major League Baseball draft. His initial minor league performance demonstrated significant promise, marked by strong win-loss records and low earned run averages. He was notably converted to a relief pitcher during his tenure with the Triple-A Omaha Royals before making his Major League debut on June 8, 1986, entering a game as a reliever.
Career Trajectory
New York Mets (1987-1992)
Traded to the New York Mets prior to the 1987 season, Cone quickly established himself as a key starting pitcher. He achieved a significant milestone in 1988, posting a remarkable 20-3 record with a 2.22 ERA, earning him a third-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting. His tenure included a notable 19-strikeout performance in 1991, tying a National League record, and an immaculate inning. Despite a playoff controversy in 1988, he remained a vital part of the Mets' rotation.
Toronto Blue Jays (1992)
In August 1992, Cone was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. He contributed significantly to their postseason success, finishing the season with a 4-3 record and a 2.55 ERA for Toronto. His performance helped the Blue Jays secure their first World Series championship, marking Cone's inaugural championship title and the first for a Canadian-based MLB team.
Kansas City Royals (1993-1994)
Returning to his hometown team as a free agent in 1993, Cone delivered a strong performance, pitching over 250 innings with a 3.33 ERA. The strike-shortened 1994 season saw him reach a career pinnacle, winning the American League Cy Young Award with a 16-5 record and a 2.94 ERA, and finishing ninth in MVP voting. He also served as a player representative during the 1994 baseball strike.
New York Yankees (1995-2000)
Cone's acquisition by the New York Yankees in July 1995 immediately bolstered their rotation. He became the team's ace, contributing to their wild card berth and subsequent postseason run. His Yankees tenure was highlighted by five World Series championships (1996, 1998-2000) and a historic perfect game on July 18, 1999. Despite an arm aneurysm in 1996 that required surgery, he made a successful comeback, even pitching seven no-hit innings in his return start.
Boston Red Sox & Mets Comeback (2001-2003)
After his initial departure from the Yankees, Cone played for the rival Boston Red Sox in 2001, posting a respectable 9-7 record. He experienced a near-perfect game loss against Mike Mussina. Cone attempted a comeback with the New York Mets in 2003, appearing in four games before retiring due to a chronic hip condition.
Distinguished Achievements
All-Star & Cy Young
Cone's consistent excellence was recognized with five Major League Baseball All-Star selections (1988, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999). His peak individual performance was validated by winning the 1994 American League Cy Young Award, acknowledging him as the league's premier pitcher.
World Series Dominance
A testament to his ability to perform on the grandest stage, Cone was a member of five World Series championship teams. He won his first title with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992, followed by four consecutive championships with the New York Yankees (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000), solidifying his legacy as a winner.
The Perfect Game
On July 18, 1999, David Cone etched his name into baseball history by pitching the sixteenth perfect game in MLB history against the Montreal Expos at Yankee Stadium. This rare feat, achieved on "Yogi Berra Day," was further amplified by the presence of Don Larsen, who threw the previous Yankees perfect game, catching the ceremonial first pitch.
Strikeout Prowess
Cone was renowned for his pitching repertoire, particularly his split-finger fastball. He led the major leagues in strikeouts three consecutive seasons (1990-1992) and achieved a career-high 19 strikeouts in a single nine-inning game on October 6, 1991. His career strikeout total of 2,688 ranks among the all-time leaders.
Post-Playing Career
Broadcast Analyst
Transitioning from the mound, Cone embarked on a successful career in sports broadcasting. He joined the YES Network as a color commentator and analyst during its inaugural season and has since contributed to broadcasts for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. Known for his insightful analysis and references to sabermetric statistics, he provides a sophisticated perspective on the game.
Media Engagements
Beyond television, Cone has expanded his media presence. He co-hosts the podcast "Toeing the Slab" with Justin Shackil for Jomboy Media, offering further engagement with baseball discussions. His written contributions include co-authoring the autobiography "Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher," which achieved bestseller status.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
David Cone married interior designer Lynn DiGioia in 1994, with whom he has a son, Brian. The couple later divorced in 2011. Cone's current partner is Taja Abitbol, a real estate broker and investor, with whom he also has a son, Sammy.
Civic Engagement
Cone has also engaged in civic activities. He testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2009 during the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Sonia Sotomayor, drawing parallels between baseball labor disputes and legal proceedings to support her nomination.
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References
References
- Profile, yesnetwork.com; accessed February 14, 2015.
- The David Cone Years, Riveraveblues.com; accessed February 14, 2015.
- Baseball Video Highlights & Clips: 7/18/99: David Cone's Perfect Game รขยย Video, MLB.com; accessed February 12, 2015.
- Senate Judiciary Committee website; accessed February 12, 2015.
- David Cone to buy apartment at Greenwich Lane, nypost.com; accessed February 12, 2015.
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