A standing ovation for Cutch
Andrew McCutchen has had a remarkable career in Major League Baseball, but one of his most memorable moments came on Sunday (June 11) when he recorded his 2,000th hit in front of the fans who cheered him on for nine seasons.
McCutchen, who now plays for the Philadelphia Phillies, was back at PNC Park as a visitor for the first time since he was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates in January 2018. He received a warm welcome from the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation before his first at-bat.
The ovation turned into a roar when McCutchen lined a single to left field off Carlos Carrasco, becoming the 291st player in AL/NL history to join the 2,000-hit club. He is the fifth active player to reach the milestone, along with Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Joey Votto and Elvis Andrus.
McCutchen tipped his helmet to acknowledge the fans and his former teammates, who applauded him from the dugout. He also received hugs and congratulations from his current teammates when he returned to the bench.
“It was awesome,” McCutchen said after the game. “It was a special moment for me. I’m glad I was able to do it here in Pittsburgh, where it all started for me. I’m thankful for the fans who showed me love and respect. It was a great feeling.”
A star in Pittsburgh
McCutchen spent his first nine seasons with the Pirates, where he became one of the best players in the game and a fan favorite. He won the NL MVP award in 2013, when he led the Pirates to their first playoff appearance in 21 years. He also made five All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove award as a Pirate.
He was traded to the San Francisco Giants after the 2017 season, and then to the New York Yankees midway through the 2018 season. He signed with the Phillies as a free agent before the 2019 season.
McCutchen said he had mixed emotions about leaving Pittsburgh, but he has learned to appreciate his time there more as he has gotten older.
“When I first came up, you’re so oblivious and naïve,” McCutchen said. “In my mind, I felt like I could get 3,000 hits if I played long enough at a high level and did well and [was] not hurt. All things considered, I felt like I could get 3,000 hits.”
But as he faced injuries and slumps, McCutchen realized that reaching 3,000 hits was unlikely for him.
“That was the first thing as far as [accolades] that I was like, ‘Nah, never mind, I’m probably not going to get that,’” McCutchen said. “It took me a handful of years to really be honest with myself to where it was like, ‘That ain’t gonna happen unless I play in my 40s.’”
Still, McCutchen said he is proud of what he has accomplished in his career so far, and he hopes to keep playing for as long as he can.
“I’m just thankful that I’ve been able to play this game for this long and stay healthy for the most part,” McCutchen said. “I’m just going to keep going until they tell me I can’t play anymore.”
A special weekend
The Phillies lost to the Pirates 2-1 on Sunday, but McCutchen said he enjoyed his return to Pittsburgh and he hopes to come back again soon.
“It was a great weekend,” McCutchen said. “I got to see a lot of familiar faces and catch up with some old friends. It was good to be back here and feel the love from the fans. It was a special experience for me.”