Pittsburgh loves its sports heroes, and they often love the city back.
Earlier this week, former Pirate Andrew McCutchen wrote an incredibly heartfelt appreciation for Pittsburgh after learning he was traded to the San Francisco Giants.
During his eight-and-a-half seasons with the Pirates, McCutchen was a five-time All-Star and the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2013.
In light of McCutchen's departure from the Steel City, NPR’s biggest Pittsburgh sports fan, David Greene and 90.5 WESA’s Kevin Gavin talked about their favorite McCutchen moments and more.
Interview highlights:
Greene said his favorite “Cutch” moment was the game on July 12, 2015, when McCutchen hit a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 14th inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals to “claw their way" back into the division race.
“I happened to be there. The energy in that stadium; I was jumping up and down, hugging my friends, going crazy. It was a moment for him, the team, it was very special.”
Greene said it’s difficult to see beloved former Pittsburgh athletes in other uniforms whether it’s McCutchen, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison or former Penguin goalie and here-time Stanley Cup champion Marc Andre Fleury.
“These are people that you feel are part of your family.”
