Andrew McCutchen
A five-tool superstar who became the beloved face of the Pittsburgh Pirates' revival and a respected veteran leader.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 10·Millennials
Biography
Andrew McCutchen arrived in Pittsburgh as a beacon of hope for a long-suffering franchise and left as its modern-day icon. Drafted 11th overall in 2005, the speedy, powerful outfielder with a signature dreadlocked hairstyle quickly became the engine of the Pirates' return to relevance. In 2013, his MVP season, he led the team to its first winning record and playoff berth in 21 years, electrifying the city. McCutchen's game was a complete package: he hit for average and power, stole bases with intelligence, and played a graceful center field, earning five All-Star selections and a Gold Glove. After a trade in 2018 that stunned Pittsburgh, he evolved into a seasoned veteran and clubhouse leader for several teams, including a poignant return to the Pirates late in his career. Beyond statistics, his consistent professionalism, community work, and infectious smile made him one of baseball's most universally admired figures.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2013 while leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to their first playoff appearance in 21 years.
- Earned five All-Star selections, a Gold Glove Award, and four Silver Slugger Awards during his peak years.
- Recorded over 2,000 career hits and more than 400 doubles, showcasing remarkable consistency at the plate.
- Was a key member of Team USA, helping them win their first-ever World Baseball Classic gold medal in 2017.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Maria, are devout Christians and are very open about their faith.
He is known for his extensive charitable work in Pittsburgh, particularly with children's hospitals, and was the 2015 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award.
He famously wears uniform socks that are striped like the Pittsburgh city flag, a style that became popular with fans.
He played in the Little League World Series in 1999 for the team from Fort Meade, Florida.
“I want to be remembered as a guy who played the game the right way, who respected the game, and who played hard every single day.”
