The history of baseball is full of stories, each more touching than the next. And last night, we were able to live another chapter.
After a long road of 1,155 games in 13 minor league seasons, Drew Maggi was finally able to get his first MLB at-bat on Wednesday at age 33. It had been 12 years, 10 months and 18 days since he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He received a standing ovation from new teammates and fans gathered at PNC Park before coming to the plate as pinch hitter for Andrew McCutchen in the eighth inning.
To add to the moment, Maggi was able to experience all that range of emotion at home and in front of his parents who have always supported him through the ups and downs of his journey.
His presence at home plate ended in a strikeout after hitting a solid but off-line ball. However, the main interested party was all smiles.
That’s the best strikeout I’ve ever had.
Maggi had been recalled in 2019 by the Minnesota Twins, but had not been able to walk the field at that time.
Asked on the pitch after the match how his evening had gone, Maggi struggled to put his emotions into words.
I really can’t put it into words. I can’t explain how I felt in the box. I didn’t even know what to do. Throughout the journey, I thought I would make my debut and it would be normal at bat. But the crowd cheering my name, my parents here, my three brothers, my sister at home, I mean, it’s unbelievable. Thank you all.
What a beautiful moment!
