The Pittsburgh Pirates have a very deep and long history of great players. Whether it’s a Hall of Famer such as Roberto Clemente or the World Series-winning Willie Stargell, those who wore the baseball black and yellow are always appreciated by their fans. One guy who is appreciated not only in Pittsburgh but by baseball fans all over is Andrew McCutchen.
Andrew McCutchen Is A Pittsburgh Pirates Legend
He was the Pirates’ first first-round selection, 11th overall in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft. Making his Major League debut in 2009, McCutchen is now in his second stint with the Pirates and had a very successful run with the team to begin his career.
“I was a young guy coming up like anyone else. Just chasing a dream, living it out, and doing what I could to stay here,” McCutchen reflected with MLBbro.com on his early days with the Pirates. “The first few years, we weren’t very good as a club. Then we started to win a little bit and then it backtracked. I learned a lot about myself as well, it was all good experiences,” he spoke about his growth as a professional.
In the mid-2010s, McCutchen established himself as not only an MVP (2013) but also a five-time All-Star. He certainly earned a place on Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
“My intentions going in was to get some at-bats since it was during spring training and experience it,“ he talked about his initial thoughts on the international competition. “To win the whole thing with Leyland as a manager was a great experience. First time it was done by the U.S and so far it’s been the only one. I can hold my head high and know that I was part of that team,” he shared.
McCutchen Never Thought He Would Leave
The 2018 season was a different type of season for McCutchen, having spent his first nine Major League years in Pittsburgh.
“I was in a place with the Pirates that I thought I would never leave. It was quite a surprise when it happened,” he expressed his feelings when learning he was traded to the San Francisco Giants on January 15, 2018. “I had just had a newborn so I had to get accustomed to that. Different organizations do different things. It’s cool to see how things are run and I’m glad I have that experience to talk about,” McCutchen added on playing not only with the Giants that season but also the New York Yankees.
McCutchen is the product of two athletes and is very proud to be well-rounded. “My mom ran track and also played volleyball. My dad was a redshirt freshman at Carson Newman for football but that got cut short because he had to take care of a little baby and that was me,” he stated. “It was nice to play those multiple sports, learn different mentalities, and I do think that in the long run it has helped me excel in the game of baseball,” he continued with MLBbro.com.
The Florida native is 38 years old and is the elder statesman of all active MLBbros. He is in his 21st professional baseball season, with 17 of them being at the highest level.
“Don’t take any days off. Never get comfortable or complacent with where you are. You’ll never have it figured out no matter what you do,” McCutchen talked about advice he would tell younger guys who are trying to rise up in sports in general.
Andrew McCutchen Looked Up To Ken Griffey Jr.
It’s always interesting to find out who our stars of today looked up to in previous years. “Ken Griffey Jr.,” he said without hesitation. “He’s the guy who I wanted to mold my game after. The flair that he brought to the game, he did it effortlessly,” he smiled. “I always pay homage and respect to him. I like to shout him out anyway I can. It was great watching him growing up. I get cleats made like what he wore.” McCutchen nodded in the direction of his shoe gear at the bottom of his locker. The number of awards and records that McCutchen has set is quite impressive and much like he admired Griffey Jr., there are numerous teenagers who are and should be watching how #22 of the Pirates carries himself.
