Andrew McCutchen receives incredible ovation from Pirates crowd in home opener: ‘Definitely was welling up’

5-time MLB All-Star Andrew McCutchen lastly returned to the place all of it started on Friday, making his 2023 home debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

McCutchen, who spent the primary 9 years of his profession in Pittsburgh, signed a one-year cope with the Pirates throughout the offseason after taking part in with 4 groups up to now 5 years. 

Andrew McCutchen, #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, bats within the first inning throughout the recreation between the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/MLB Photographs by way of Getty Photographs)

Pittsburgh performed its first six video games of the season on the highway earlier than returning dwelling for a six-game dwelling stand, beginning with a three-game series towards the Chicago White Sox. 

And the group at PNC Park shortly let McCutchen know simply how a lot they appreciated having him again. 

McCutchen rewarded the house crowd with a single off of Chicago starter Lucas Giolito within the first. 

“It’s a particular second, special occasion for me,” McCutchen stated. “It’s one I’m going to recollect.”

The Pirates continued their scorching begin to the 2023 season, beating the White Sox 13-9 to maneuver to 5-2. 

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A fan holds an indication that includes Andrew McCutchen throughout the recreation between the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/MLB Photographs by way of Getty Photographs)

The 2013 Nationwide League MVP ended the day with two of Pittsburgh’s 19 hits. 

“I really like these followers,” McCutchen stated, in accordance with the Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette. “It was nice. I used to be in a position to re-live up to now a bit bit, which isn’t a foul factor to do. Simply the entire expertise was particular.”

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Andrew McCutchen, #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, acknowledges the group within the first inning towards the Chicago White Sox throughout inter-league play on Opening Day at PNC Park on April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Justin Okay. Aller/Getty Photographs)

“Undoubtedly was welling up, however I knew I wanted to hit,” stated McCutchen, who completed with two hits. “So I couldn’t be too watery. It was good. A very good day.”

In his first 9 seasons with the Pirates, McCutchen was selected to all 5 of his All-Star appearances and completed within the top-five of the MVP voting 4 instances.