Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale, fresh from an exceptional Triple Crown and Cy Young Award-winning season in 2024, showed remarkable focus and emotion in his final regular-season start of 2026. Just before his pregame warmups at Truist Park, Sale received the news that Don Cooper, his first major-league pitching coach with the Chicago White Sox, had passed away at age 70. Despite this difficult news, Sale delivered a commanding performance with 10 strikeouts, reaching 200 strikeouts for the season in a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Sale’s connection to Cooper was deeply personal and foundational to his career development. Drafted 13th overall in 2010 by the White Sox, Sale quickly moved through the ranks under Cooper’s guidance, transitioning into a dominant left-handed starter. Sale credited Cooper with instilling crucial skills and values that shaped him into one of baseball’s top pitchers, calling Cooper’s passing “tough news” and acknowledging that he “wouldn’t be here without him.”

Cooper’s legacy extends beyond Sale, having spent nearly 20 years as the White Sox’s pitching coach and contributing to the team’s 2005 World Series championship. His long tenure made him one of baseball’s most respected and influential coaches, mentoring numerous players and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Sale’s career arc, including his All-Star appearances and stellar performances for the Red Sox and Braves, underscores the lasting mentorship he received from Cooper.

As the Braves head into the playoffs, Sale remains a key figure in their pitching strategy. His recent reflections reveal the emotional weight of losing a mentor who played a critical role in launching his career. The poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the profound personal relationships behind professional sports achievements and the enduring influence coaches like Cooper have on the game.