PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – No one quite has the perspective on Andrew McCutchen as Pirates bench coach Donny Kelly.
The life-ling Pirates fans not only played with him early in his career, but is now coaching him.
The fact that he is a great guy is the first thing that jumped out about McCutchen when we asked Kelly about him. A smile quickly appeared on his face and an enthusiasm to his voice. When Kelly was trying to break into the majors, so was McCutchen. They played together at AAA back in 2007.
“I distinctly remember there was a ball that he hit in Charlotte that was down the right field line, went over the first base bag and it was like he was floating to third base,” Kelly told 93.7 The Fan. “He was running so fast it was like he wasn’t even touching the ground.”
It was only a short time together, McCutchen had been promoted from AA after 33 extra base hits in 118 games. The Bucs 2005 first-round pick would hit .313 in 17 games with Kelly at AAA. It was more than just the performance, but everything about Cutch that immediately stood out.
“Just the tools that he showed and the work ethic,” Kelly said. “We’ve seen how his career as played out to this point. Really cool to see how he’s grown as a player, but just the guy-husband/father that he’s turned into as well.”
Who would have foreseen 16 years later, a former MVP who led the Pirates back to the playoffs in 2013-15, McCutchen would be back in Pittsburgh? And Kelly would return home to be a coach with the Pirates.
“He’s been phenomenal,” Kelly told 93.7 The Fan. “When you talk about leading these guys. Having conversations with guys. Leading by example-preparation, recovery, the daily grind of playing Major League baseball. You can’t enough positive things about what he’s brought to the club.”
From other coaches, manager Derek Shelton, owner Bob Nutting, GM Ben Cherington, clubhouse attendants all sing the same praise. What they appreciate about McCutchen is he’s not putting on a show. He still brings the work ethic and energy Kelly first saw in the minor leagues, but adds the 15 years of MLB experience to help a developing team.
“Everyone gets to see what he does on the field, but when you talk about what he brings from a prep standpoint,” Kelly said. “The way he works. How he takes care of himself. Being able to play this game at his game and still being extremely productive on a daily basis.”
“Can’t say enough great things.”