McCutchen

What a sight. Andrew McCutchen is back in Pirates black and gold.

It’s just after 8:00 a.m., and members of the Pittsburgh Pirates begin arriving for an early morning workout, prior to the scheduled home exhibition game at LECOM Park with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Today, the Pirates will be playing game eleven of a planned 31 games this spring training season.

The sign outside of Room 130, inside the hallways of LECOM Park, lets you know that you have arrived at the team’s clubhouse. Making a sharp right-hand turn when entering the clubhouse, dead ahead, at the far end of the box-shaped room is where the 2013 National League MVP is seated. He has a corner locker, with an empty one to his right.

This, in the sports world, is a sign of seniority and respect. Years of service and success don’t go unnoticed by clubhouse managers.

Back in January, McCutchen, now entering his 15th MLB season, signed as a free agent with the club that drafted him number one (11th overall) in 2005. The 36-year-old's one-year deal reportedly is for $5 million. After spending his first nine seasons as a Pirate, the past five campaigns have been split with four clubs in both the National and American Leagues.

Setting a gold standard of how to carry yourself as a major leaguer, on this day McCutchen is early to dress for hitting and fielding drills. He is quiet but his actions are heard. His preparation is seen by his teammates. Dedication remains a high priority for McCutchen.

As the multi-all-star and Silver Slugger is wedging his feet into a well-polished pair of cleats, a smile comes across his face, as he reflects on returning to Bradenton.

"I like every chance I have to be by the water. I look forward to spring training. I’m taking my time here day by day,“ McCutchen said while reminiscing about the familiar sites that are Bradenton.

By no means, McCutchen’s signing should be construed as a season-long farewell tour.

There are personal goals that the Fort Mead native has within striking distance, beginning on March 30 when the Pirates open their 2023 season on the road in Cincinnati.

Since his first MLB at-bat in June 2005 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh against Mets’ pitcher Mike Pelfrey, McCutchen has been a menacing offensive threat in both leagues. When "Play Ball“ is heard in Cincinnati next week, individually, McCutchen will be closing in on some impressive career highlights.

After appearing in 105 games this coming season, McCutchen will hit his 2000th played in. He is less than 100 hits away from reaching 2000. Clubbing 13 home runs will then total the outfielder/designated hitter with 300. Having more than 7,000 career MLB at-bats, many eyes around the National League in 2023 will be focusing on McCutchen’s performance.

"I’m focusing on the here and now. I don’t want to get ahead of myself,“ explains McCutchen.

This could be code for team first, or individual statistics taking a back seat.

Slipping on his number 22 jersey, McCutchen is a picture of patience. He begins loosening up in front of his prime clubhouse real estate. In camp already a couple of weeks, still, there are echoes of "Welcome Back, Cutch“, as more people pass the superstar.

The team’s future can be seen all around the clubhouse. Pirate catchers Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis are still with the major leaguers and within clear view of the club’s most famous member. Shortstop Oneil Cruz and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes are dressing at the opposite sides of the room from McCutchen, but don’t have obstructed views of his actions.

To reach McCutchen’s locker, you must pass by another projected star-in-the-making for Pittsburgh – Jack Suwinski. A simple turn of his head to the right, and the starting outfielder is within 10 feet of McCutchen.

Preparing for practice, how he conducts himself in the dugouts during games, and his habits on the road, away from the stadiums, will be watched closely by those hoping to follow in his professional footsteps. But, before the Pirates head off to play the Reds in Cincinnati and other MLB cities including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, the rest of the Grapefruit League schedule is to be played out.

Bus rides to Lakeland, Tampa, Clearwater, and Fort Myers are among the itinerary for the Pirates. This is part of the growing process as a team. In Pittsburgh, this coming season, the return of McCutchen puts him at the head of the club’s unofficial leadership committee.