Andrew McCutchen’s Legacy Grows with Milestone Home Run
Let me tell you about a moment that perfectly captures what it means to be a Pittsburgh Pirate—and more importantly, what it means to be Andrew McCutchen.
On June 14, 2025, in a game between the Pirates and Cubs, McCutchen stepped up to the plate and did what he’s been doing for years—making magic happen. In the top of the first inning, facing Cubs pitcher Boyd, he saw an 80 mph changeup and turned it into history. With a powerful swing, he launched a solo home run to left field. The ball left his bat at 103.9 mph, soared at a 35-degree launch angle, and traveled 372 feet. Just like that, the Pirates took an early 1-0 lead. It was McCutchen’s seventh homer of the season—but this one meant a little more.
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That’s because this wasn’t just any home run. This was the home run that moved McCutchen past the legendary Roberto Clemente on the Pirates' all-time home run list. It was No. 241 for Cutch as a Pirate, officially placing him third in franchise history. That alone is a headline, but the story gets even better.
As the ball sailed into the left field bleachers at Wrigley, fans scrambled for the souvenir. The lucky one to snag it was Jim Kolesar, a diehard Pirates fan and native of Pittsburgh. The organization offered to negotiate for the ball, but Kolesar? He didn’t hesitate—he gave it back. Why? Because, as he put it, “It meant more to him than me.” That kind of selfless sportsmanship is rare. McCutchen himself called Kolesar a "national treasure," which tells you all you need to know about the mutual respect between this player and his hometown fans.
Moments like this don’t happen every day. This wasn’t just a stat-padding homer. This was a symbolic passing of the torch, a salute to Clemente’s legacy, and a celebration of McCutchen’s impact—not just on the field, but in the city of Pittsburgh.
And while the Pirates also made headlines this week by waiving pitcher Joey Wentz and announcing their 2025 Hall of Fame class—including legends like Kiki Cuyler, Vern Law, and Al Oliver—it’s McCutchen’s story that captures the heart of baseball. A veteran still writing history. A fan giving back. A city remembering what makes its team special.
That, right there, is what baseball is all about.
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