‘Living Legend’ McCutchen becomes the fifth ML player to reach the 2,000-hit plateau

Pittsburgh Pirates living legend Andrew McCutchen has reached the 2,000-hit plateau in his career.

McCutchen batted leadoff for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Mets at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday (April 12). McCutchen produced a hit in his first at-bat to reach the 2,000-hit milestone.

McCutchen led off the first inning with a single to left field on an 85.8-mph slider from San Diego starter Carlos Karsk. It was McCutchen’s 2,000th career hit. The Pittsburgh fans who filled the stadium celebrated the legend’s milestone with a standing ovation.

MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, also highlighted McCutchen’s 2,000th hit. “McCutchen became the 291st player in Major League Baseball history to reach 2,000 hits,” the site said, “and the fifth to do so among active players, joining Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Joey Votto and Elvis Andrews.

McCutchen’s first big league hit at PNC Park. His first hit came against the Mets on June 5, 2009, and 14 years later, McCutchen is one hit shy of 2000 against the same opponent.

“When I first came up, I thought I could hit 안전놀이터 3,000 hits,” McCutchen said, “but that’s only if I play into my 40s. To be honest, I probably gave myself too much credit. I was naive,” he said of his 2,000th hit.

McCutchen was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 draft. He made his big league debut in 2009 and quickly became a franchise star in Pittsburgh. However, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2018 and continued his career with the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Last winter, McCutchen rejoined Pittsburgh for $5 million a year. With a young roster, Pittsburgh needed a veteran to anchor the team, and McCutchen, who wanted to play for his hometown team, accepted the offer. Back to the Pirates.

In 57 games with Pittsburgh, McCutchen is batting .265 (52-for-196) with eight home runs, a .423 on-base percentage and an .804 slugging percentage.