Watch CBS News

Andrew McCutchen Reflects On MVP Season

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen sat down with The Fan Morning Show's Gregg Giannotti to reflect on winning the 2013 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

"It almost felt like getting drafted again," McCutchen said. "The pure feeling of joy and excitement."

McCutchen said he thought he had done enough to win the award, but wasn't sure how it was going to play out. He thought his numbers were better last year, but he didn't have that second half drop off -- and he wasn't sure that was going to be enough.

The waiting for the announcement was really the hardest part he says.

McCutchen was almost an unanimous winner receiving 28 out of a possible 30 first-place votes to become the seventh Pirates player to win the MVP award, and the first since Barry Bonds won the honor in 1992.

McCutchen also says the award is a team award and that he appreciates what they were able to accomplish this year, but he is already looking forward to what they can accomplish in 2014.

"We have the talent," McCutchen said. "We know what to expect now and we will push to get closer to winning the World Series."

McCutchen said the Wild Card game at PNC Park against the Reds was one of the most special moments for him.

"Seeing that crowd all dressed in black was very emotional," McCutchen said. "I felt like we won the game before it started."

McCutchen added that he's worked hard to get where he is, which is why the award means so much to him. He knows he will forever be remembered with some of the great Pirates of the past.

But McCutchen urges he is still a normal guy.

Will this award change that? He laughs and says "probably not."

Listen to his full interview here:

Andrew McCutchen with Gregg Giannotti 11-15

The Fan Morning Show also aired a tribute to McCutchen. You can listen to it here.

Listen to The Fan Morning Show weekdays 5:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.