That year, McCutchen was named Baseball America’s Rookie of the Year, which gave him and his family the confidence and assurance that he is where he deserves to be. McCutchen has received many awards for his outstanding athletic ability including the coveted Rawlings Golden Glove award in 2012, two time recipient of the Louisville Silver Slugger award (2012 and 2013) and the National League Most Valuable Player in 2013, becoming the first Pittsburgh Pirate since Barry Bonds in 1992 to win this award. He was also chosen to grace the cover of the PlayStation 3 video game: MLB 13: The Show, edging out New York Yankees’ pitcher, CC Sabathia. cCutchen’s philanthropy is what makes his success story so interesting and inspiring. Instilled with great values by his parents, he has chosen to use his accomplishments and stature in the community to give back. Now residing in the Pittsburgh area, he is the current spokesperson for the Greater Pittsburgh area Habitat for Humanity, a member of the Make a Wish Foundation, and has created a mentorship program called Cutch’s Crew. With Cutch’s Crew, he was involved in molding together two rival high schools in Pittsburgh, Oliver and Perry, who were going to be consolidated into one school the following year. He mentored the baseball team and taught them that there is more to baseball and life than rivalries and the need to beat the other team. He was able to teach these young men important life lessons and share his experi-
Heartland LIVING April May 2014
Photo left courtesy of Pittsburg Pirates. Dave Arrigo, photographer.