Drew Magee’s long road to the major leagues culminated in his first career home run Wednesday night.
The 33-year-old infielder, who played 1,155 games in 13 minor league seasons before being called up by the Pirates earlier this week, appeared as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, hitting a solo home run off his bat as Pittsburgh beat Pittsburgh. Los Angeles Dodgers 8-1 at PNC Park.
Magee pinch hit for Andrew McCutchen with one out in the eighth inning and received a standing ovation from teammates in the Pirates dugout and the sparse crowd at the ballpark. He drew the first pitch he saw off an Alex Vecia foul, then went into an 0-2 hole after home plate umpire Jeff Nelson was called for a pitch clock violation. Magee drew another foul and then Vecia took the ball before swinging at a slider.
A moment he will never forget. pic.twitter.com/DRMoWbsc2W
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 27, 2023
“That’s the best strikeout I’ve ever had,” Magee said with a smile.
Asked on the field after the game how the night felt, Magee added: “I really can’t (put it into words). I can’t explain how I felt in the (batter’s) box. I didn’t even know what to do. You guys cheered me up.” have been. I don’t know, I never expected it. Through the tour, I thought I would make my debut and it would be normal at bat. Obviously special, but the crowd excited my name, I’ve got my parents here, my Three brothers, one sister back home. I mean, this is unbelievable. Thank you, everybody.”
Magee has a career .254 average with 978 hits, 45 home runs, 354 RBIs and 222 stolen bases in the minors since being drafted by the Pirates in the 15th round (No. 447 overall) in 2010. He was elected on Wednesday after a year, 10 months and 18 days.
The Pirates called him up from Double-A Altoona over the weekend — a video about his callup featured a heartfelt moment — when outfielder Brian Reynolds was placed on the bereavement list. Manager Derek Shelton had no place to use Magee during his first two games in Pittsburgh, and Magee feared a repeat of 2019, when he was called up by the Minnesota Twins for a few days but did not appear in a game. Game
“I saw my dad cry. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him cry before. All these years, I wondered what I would say to my parents if that moment ever came. They were right there with me. Hearing those words said it all. Worth it. I know the last 13 years have not been wasted.”
Drew Maggi makes his long-awaited MLB debut
Shelton, who was the Twins bench coach at the time, was thrilled that he was able to get Magee at this point.
“It was cool. It was really cool,” Shelton said. “I mean, as long as I’ve known him, it’s been really cool to be able to be the guy telling him (to pinch hit).”
Magee said he has never regretted spending more than a decade in the minors. However, he admitted that Wednesday’s at-bat made all those years of chasing his dream worth it.
“I love baseball,” Magee said. “I’ve been grinding for 13 years, but I’ve been doing what I love. The ultimate goal is the big leagues. Just kind of getting here, my name is in history. I put on a big league uniform, and I shared this field. Did. Greatest players in the world.”
Magee visited the box seat railing with the family for a few moments after the game. The intensity of the moment struck him when he saw his parents and other family members who had made the trip from Phoenix.
“I love you. We’re proud of you. You did it!” Maggie said. “I saw my dad cry. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him cry before. All these years, I wondered what I would say to my parents if that moment ever came. They were right there with me. Hearing those words said it all. Worth it. I know the last 13 years have not been wasted.”
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