'He's home': Fans greet Andrew McCutchen with raucous reception during home opener

Pirates fans waited five years for this moment. No. 22 is back.

Andrew McCutchen returned as a Pirate to PNC Park on Friday for the team’s home opener and was embraced by about 40,000 people in attendance.

“To wear No. 22 again,” he said, “there is nothing else like it.”

McCutchen was traded in January 2018 to the San Francisco Giants. He signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pirates in January.

McCutchen jerseys were all throughout Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Friday. Clothing stands were full of them for sale. People — young and old — wore them, including Ken Boring of Marion Center. He said McCutchen will be an asset to the young guys in the clubhouse.

“This is the only player jersey I have,” Boring said.

Dan Genovese of Uniontown said he had to reach into the back of his closet to find his jersey.

Genovese said McCutchen back in the black and gold reminds him of the 2013-15 postseason years.

“The city was on fire then, and it was like a party atmosphere,” Genovese said. “Wearing this jersey is not only nostalgic, but it also is about hope and veteran leadership with Cutch. The younger players will be inspired by him.”

The No. 22 jersey was the most popular in spring training, said Terry Walcutt, general manager of Fanatics at PNC Park.

People ordered them before they were even made. At Tuesday’s media tour, Walcutt said he had to make more McCutchen jerseys.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review

Lots of Andrew McCutchen jerseys for sale before the Pirates home opener on April 7.

McCutchen’s mother, Petrina McCutchen, who lives in Florida, said it was so important for her to be back to share this moment with her son. Before she sang the national anthem, she said she was grateful to see all of the McCutchen jerseys.

“Wherever I go, and not just Pittsburgh, I see jerseys with my name on them,” she said. “So many people still love and respect my son. He is definitely happy to be back.”

Petrina McCutchen also sang the anthem before the Pirates’ 2013 and 2014 playoff games.

McCutchen spotted his mom before the game and walked out of the dugout to give her a hug. When McCutchen’s name was called during the team introductions, fans shouted, “MVP! MVP!”

When his name was announced as designated hitter moments before he was to bat in the first inning, he had to step out of the batter’s box because the crowd cheered so long. He singled to center — to another raucous round of applause.

McCutchen said his and his wife’s children Steel, 5; Armani, 3; and Ave Maria, almost 18 months, will now get to see him play in person regularly.

McCutchen has called Pittsburgh home since his first stint with the Pirates. He and his family have always lived in the North Hills, even when he played for other teams in recent years. He said coming back to play for the Pirates was the best decision he and his wife made.

“It’s a place that never left me,” he said. “This uniform is what I first wore. It’s nice to be able to throw it on again. It’s familiar, you know? Familiar with your body, familiar with your mind.

“It feels right, man. It’s like Batman putting on his suit again.”

Indeed it is, said Chris Miller, of leader of the Renegades, fans who dress as Pirates and cheer from the rotunda in PNC Park. Miller said it’s going to be a big year with the return of McCutchen.

“It just feels right to have Cutch back,” said Miller, of Brackenridge. “And he’s not only back … he’s home.”

Michael Kirik of Pine agreed.

“I was surprised when I heard he was coming back,” Kirik said. “He will retire a Pirate.”

Allison Crytzer summed up what a lot of fans likely felt on Friday: “Andrew is one of the good guys. He brings a lot of spirit into the stadium. The fans are fired up for his return.”