Andrew McCutchen facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the baseball player. For the Australian politician, see Andrew McCutcheon.

Quick facts for kids

Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen in 2015

Pittsburgh Pirates – No. 22

Outfielder / Designated hitter

Born: October 10, 1986 (age 38)
Fort Meade, Florida, U.S.

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

debut

June 4, 2009, for the Pittsburgh Pirates

MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)

Batting average

.273

2,152

319

1,095

219

Teams

Pittsburgh Pirates (2009–2017)
San Francisco Giants (2018)
New York Yankees (2018)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019–2021)
Milwaukee Brewers (2022)
Pittsburgh Pirates (2023–present)

Career highlights and awards

5× All-Star (2011–2015)
NL MVP (2013)
Gold Glove Award (2012)
4× Silver Slugger Award (2012–2015)
Roberto Clemente Award (2015)

Medals

Men's baseball

Representing United States
World Baseball Classic
Gold	2017 Los Angeles	Team

Andrew Stefan McCutchen (born October 10, 1986) is an American professional baseball player. He plays as an outfielder and designated hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers.

The Pirates picked McCutchen in the first round of the 2005 MLB draft. He started playing in MLB in 2009. During his first time with the Pirates, he won many awards. He was the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player in 2013. He was also a five-time All-Star (2011–15). He won the Silver Slugger Award four times (2012–15). In 2012, he won a Gold Glove Award. He also received the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015.

Early Life & High School
Professional Baseball Journey
Awards
Personal Life
See Also

Early Life & High School

Andrew McCutchen was born in Fort Meade, Florida. His parents, Lorenzo McCutchen and Petrina Swan, were teenagers at the time. His father, Lorenzo, played football in college. But he gave up his dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL) to be with his son.

Andrew was a very talented baseball player from a young age. He played varsity baseball in eighth grade. That year, he hit the ball really well, with a .591 average. In his senior year of high school, he hit an amazing .709. He also hit 16 home runs and had 42 runs batted in (RBIs).

Besides baseball, Andrew also ran track and played football. He was a top football player in Florida. But he chose to focus on baseball for his professional career.

Professional Baseball Journey

Draft and Minor Leagues

Andrew McCutchen had planned to go to the University of Florida for college. But the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him 11th overall in the 2005 MLB draft. He decided to sign with the Pirates instead. He received a $1.9 million signing bonus.

He played for several minor league teams from 2005 to 2009. These included the GCL Pirates, Williamsport Crosscutters, Hickory Crawdads, Altoona Curve, and Indianapolis Indians. He was considered one of the top young players in the minor leagues. Baseball America ranked him as a top prospect multiple times.

First Time with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2009–2017)

Starting in the Big Leagues (2009)

McCutchen in 2009

On June 3, 2009, Andrew McCutchen was called up to MLB. He made his first appearance on June 4. He got his first hit in his very first turn at bat. Five days later, he had his first game with four hits. On June 17, he hit his first MLB home run.

On August 1, McCutchen had an amazing game. He hit three home runs and had six RBIs. He was the first Pirates rookie to hit three homers in one game. He finished his first season hitting .286. He also had 12 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He was named the Baseball America Rookie of the Year.

Becoming an All-Star (2010–2011)

McCutchen became the Pirates' main center fielder in 2010. Many people, including other team managers, saw him as a future All-Star. He had a great month in May, hitting .327.

McCutchen in 2011

In 2011, McCutchen was chosen for his first All-Star team. He replaced an injured player. On August 30, he hit a home run that made him the eighth Pirate to have 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in one season. He ended the season with 23 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

MVP Season and Awards (2012–2015)

McCutchen in 2012

In March 2012, McCutchen signed a big contract extension with the Pirates. He was named an All-Star again. He also took part in the Home Run Derby. He won the NL Player of the Month award twice in a row. He finished the season hitting .327, with 31 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

McCutchen won his first Louisville Silver Slugger Award in 2012. This award goes to the best offensive player at each position. He also won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his excellent defense.

2013: The MVP Year

In 2013, Andrew McCutchen was on the cover of the video game MLB 13: The Show. On September 3, he hit his 100th career home run. He was named an All-Star for the third year in a row.

McCutchen batting in 2014 against the St. Louis Cardinals

McCutchen had an amazing 2013 season. He hit .317 with 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases. His great play helped the Pirates reach the postseason for the first time since 1992. After the season, he won the National League MVP award. This made him the first Pirate to win MVP since 1992. He also won his second Silver Slugger Award.

Continued Success (2014–2015)

In 2014, McCutchen continued to play at a high level. He was named NL Player of the Month in June. He was also elected to the All-Star Game for the fourth time. He led the league in on-base percentage and OPS. He won his third straight Silver Slugger award.

McCutchen in 2014

McCutchen in July 2015

On April 29, 2015, McCutchen got his 1,000th career hit. He was selected as an All-Star for the fifth year in a row. He hit a home run in the All-Star Game. He also won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015. This award honors players who show great sportsmanship and community involvement. He won his fourth straight Silver Slugger award.

Later Years with Pirates (2016–2017)

McCutchen during spring training 2016

In 2016, McCutchen hit three home runs in one game against the Colorado Rockies. This was the second time he had done that in his career.

In 2017, McCutchen played for the United States national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. His team won the gold medal! He was named NL Player of the Month in June. On September 26, he hit his first career grand slam.

McCutchen in 2017

McCutchen holds many records at PNC Park, the Pirates' home stadium. He has the most games played, hits, home runs, and RBIs there. He is also one of the top Pirates players in career home runs and stolen bases.

Moving to Other Teams (2018–2022)

McCutchen in the 2018 season: with the San Francisco Giants (left) and with the New York Yankees (right)

On January 15, 2018, the Pirates traded McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants. On April 7, he had an amazing game with six hits. His last hit was a three-run walk-off home run in the 14th inning.

On August 31, 2018, the Giants traded McCutchen to the New York Yankees. He had to shave his famous beard because of the Yankees' team rules! He also changed his jersey number. Between the two teams in 2018, he hit 20 home runs.

McCutchen with the Phillies in 2020

In December 2018, McCutchen signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. In June 2019, he suffered a serious knee injury. He missed the rest of that season. He returned to play in the 2020 season, which was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he hit 27 home runs for the Phillies.

On March 16, 2022, McCutchen signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. On September 23, he got his 1,000th career RBI. In 2022, he played more often as a designated hitter than in the outfield.

Back with the Pirates (2023–Present)

On January 20, 2023, Andrew McCutchen signed a contract to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans gave him a huge standing ovation when he returned to PNC Park. On June 11, 2023, he recorded his 2,000th career hit. Later that season, he had a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon.

In December 2023, McCutchen signed another contract to stay with the Pirates. He hopes to play at least two more seasons and retire as a Pirate. On April 14, 2024, he hit his 300th career home run. He continues to be a key player for the Pirates.

Awards

Baseball America Rookie of the Year (2009)
Home Run Derby participant (2012)
5× Major League Baseball All-Star (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
National League Most Valuable Player Award (2013)
5× National League Player of the Month Award (June 2012, July 2012, June 2014, August 2015, June 2017)
6× National League Player of the Week Award (July 8, 2012; July 15, 2012; June 15, 2014; July 13, 2014; May 24, 2015; August 9, 2015)
2× Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Player (2012, 2013)
Rawlings Gold Glove Award at outfield (2012)
Roberto Clemente Award (2015)
4× Silver Slugger Award at outfield (2012–15)

Personal Life

McCutchen with Governor Tom Wolf and Phillies teammate Bryce Harper in 2019

Early in his career, Andrew McCutchen was known for his long dreadlocks. In 2015, he cut them off. The dreadlocks were sold at an auction to raise money for charity. He even teased his fans on social media before showing his new haircut!

McCutchen is active on social media like X and Instagram. In 2020, he created a funny alter ego called "Uncle Larry." This happened after a sports reporter confused him with a football player named Lawrence McCutcheon. McCutchen even appeared on a TV show as Uncle Larry, wearing sunglasses and a wig. This led to "Uncle Larry" merchandise like t-shirts and bobbleheads.

Andrew McCutchen proposed to his girlfriend, Maria Hanslovan, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2013. They got married and now have four children: sons Steel and Armani, and daughters Avé and Italia. The family lives in Pittsburgh.

McCutchen is a Christian. In May 2021, he even did voice acting for an episode of the Disney Junior show Puppy Dog Pals. He voiced a "cool, card-playing dog."