Around the Curve | Andrew McCutchen’s Milestone Homer Puts Him in Select Company
CURVE, Pa. - The first month of the baseball calendar did not set up kindly for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but there were no lack of feel-good stories coming out of the 412. Jared Jones wowed Bucco fans with his dominant pitching efforts, Joey Bart joined the team with Pittsburgh roots
CURVE, Pa. - The first month of the baseball calendar did not set up kindly for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but there were no lack of feel-good stories coming out of the 412.
Jared Jones wowed Bucco fans with his dominant pitching efforts, Joey Bart joined the team with Pittsburgh roots and performed well, and the Pirates started the season 5-0 for the first time since 1983.
But perhaps the best story from the Pirates’ April slate was one that had been awaiting a cinematic conclusion for nearly eight months.
On April 14, in the ninth inning of an afternoon game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Andrew McCutchen drove a slider into the left-field seats for his first home run of the season.
It was the 300th of his storied career.
This was a milestone that fans had been holding their breath on for quite some time, as Cutch hit the 299th home run of his career on August 22, 2023. A full offseason of wondering whether the 37-year-old would re-sign in Pittsburgh to surpass the mark played out, but the Pirates brought back their most popular player of the 21st century to assure this story would have a happy ending.
Although the shot occurred on the road, it still happened in a ballpark that held significance to McCutchen, who played for the Phillies from 2019-2021. The home run drew cheers from fans of both sides of the Keystone state, a rare occasion in the sports world.
McCutchen became the fourth player to hit his 300th home run in a Pirates uniform, joining Ralph Kiner (1953), Willie Stargell (1973), and Jeromy Burnitz (2006). It was his 216th home run as a Pirate, leaving him 24 shy of catching Roberto Clemente for third-most in franchise history.
McCutchen is one of the most decorated Altoona Curve alums in the franchise’s 26-year history. His five All-Star game appearances are the second-most in franchise history, behind Gerrit Cole and Jose Bautista, who each have made six midsummer classics. He is the only alum to win a Most Valuable Player award.
McCutchen’s now 302 career home runs trail only Bautista, who hit 344 in his career. No other player in team history has gone on to hit more than 200 home runs in the majors, with only six others hitting 100: Pedro Alvarez (162), Josh Bell (156), Starling Marte (151), Neil Walker (149), Bryan Reynolds (102), and Nate McLouth (101).
However, when you look at all-around production at the Major League level amongst Curve alums, Cutch stands alone. He is now the 13th player in Major League Baseball history with 2,000 hits, 400 doubles, 45 triples, 300 home runs, and 200 stolen bases.
McCutchen played 138 games for the Curve from 2006-2007, and to this day he is still the youngest player to take the field for Altoona, making his Double-A debut on August 15, 2006 at 19 years, 10 months, and five days old. The 11th overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft played in the final 20 games of the 2006 season en route to being named the Pirates Minor League Player of the Year.
When he returned in 2007, he was the Pirates No. 1 prospect per Baseball America, but his numbers cooled off. He finished his Curve tenure with a .265 batting average, 13 home runs and 60 RBIs in 138 games.
Although the Pirates star has never returned to Curve, PA in his playing career, he spoke fondly last summer about his memories playing at Blair County Ballpark, now known as Peoples Natural Gas Field.
“I remember driving from Hickory to Altoona for the first time, and once you get off the highway you see this grand stadium, it was really cool to see that because it felt like a big jump towards the big leagues,” said McCutchen. “You saw familiar faces all the time with fans and form a relationship with those people. It was very close knit and it was a place you wanted to show up to every day.”
McCutchen may not stand at the top of the All-Time performers in Curve history, but with his numerous Major-League accolades and larger-than-life personality, he is easily one of the most beloved players in team history.
Bowen Bashes Three Hits in 8-1 Win
CURVE, PA – The Curve offense banged out ten hits and drew eight walks to push Altoona to an 8-1 win over the Akron RubberDucks on Friday night at Canal Park. Trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning, Altoona used a bases loaded walk from Shawn Ross and a wild pitch
Curve Pitching Strike Out 14 in Shutout Win
CURVE, PA – Hunter Barco, Valentin Linarez, Justin Meis, and Cam Sanders combined to produce the first shutout win of the season for Altoona on Thursday night, holding Akron to just three hits in a 2-0 Curve win at Canal Park. Barco matched his Double-A high with five strikeouts in
Tres Gonzalez Tosses Scoreless 8th Inning
CURVE, PA – Altoona dropped their second straight game at Canal Park on Wednesday night, falling 13-1 to the ‘Ducks. The Curve picked up their lone run in the second inning. Jack Brannigan led off the frame with a single and after a strikeout and a walk by Aaron McKeithan,
Late Rally From ‘Ducks Sinks Curve
CURVE, PA – Altoona scored a pair of first inning runs and led 5-2 after four innings, however, the Akron RubberDucks rallied for a 6-5 win over the Curve on Tuesday night at Canal Park. The Curve offense worked two walks and two hits off Akron starter Rorik Maltrud, plating
Sammy Slams Baysox In Sunday Win
CURVE, PA – Outfielder Sammy Siani’s two-run homer stood up as the only runs needed for the Curve in their series finale against Chesapeake as the Curve earned a 2-1 win over the Baysox on Sunday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Anthony Solometo continued a solid run of pitching
Dotel Dazzles in Saturday Defeat
CURVE, PA – Making his Double-A debut, Curve starter Wilber Dotel tossed five scoreless innings, however, Altoona dropped their second straight game to the Chesapeake Baysox, 2-0, on Saturday evening at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Dotel allowed just two hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out four against
Baysox Swipe Opening Day Win From Curve
CURVE, PA – Brenden Dixon swatted a solo homer and the Curve drew seven walks, but dropped their Opening Day matchup with the Chesapeake Baysox, 3-2, on Friday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The Curve used three walks and a single to pick up the game’s first run in
Pirates Reveal 2025 Altoona Curve Break Camp Roster
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Friday an initial list of 29 players reporting to Altoona for the 2025 season. The player list features five players that are ranked in the Pirates Top 30 prospects by MLB.com, including two in the Top 10 and one player ranked among the
Altoona Curve Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
CURVE, PA –The Altoona Curve are pleased to share the full 2025 promotional schedule, which will once again feature a theme or promotion for all 69 home games at Peoples Natural Gas Field! “After a long winter of work, we are excited to share the exciting promotional schedule for our
Altoona Curve Announces Return of “Pints for Vets” Tasting Event
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the return of Pints for Vets, presented by Ward Trucking. The beer, wine, & spirits sampling event will be held at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Saturday, June 28, with proceeds benefiting Band of Heroes Outdoors, a nonprofit organization that
Altoona Curve Announce New Changes at Peoples Natural Gas Field for the 2025 Season
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the newest staff additions and stadium policies at Peoples Natural Gas Field that will be put in place for the 2025 season, presented by Stuckey Automotive. “It is hard to believe that the offseason has flown by already,” said Curve
SportsNet Pittsburgh To Air 20 Curve Games at PNG Field During 2025 Campaign
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce that 20 home games during the 2025 season will air on SportsNet Pittsburgh. “We are so really looking forward to expanding our partnership with SportsNet Pittsburgh to air more Altoona Curve games this season,” said Curve General Manager Nate Bowen.
Pirates Spring Breakout Game to be Broadcasted on Curve Radio Network
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Altoona Curve is excited to announce that the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Breakout Game will be broadcasted live on the Fly Altoona Curve Radio Network on Friday, March 14 at 1:05 p.m. from Clearwater, Florida. Fans can listen to the game on 96.1 Hank-FM, Pirates.com, the MLB
Around the Curve | Eight Former Curve Named to Pirates Spring Breakout Roster
CURVE, PA. – MLB's annual prospect Showcase, the Spring Breakout game, will pit top Pirates minor league prospects against top Phillies prospects on Friday, March 14 at 1:05 p.m. at Clearwater's Baycare Ballpark, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. (Info). The Pirates vs. Phillies game will be broadcast nationally on MLB
Andy Fox Named Altoona Curve Manager for 2025 Season
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the 2025 Coaching Staff for the upcoming season in Curve, PA, headlined by new manager Andy Fox. “I am thrilled to welcome Andy Fox and his staff to Curve, PA for the 2025 season,” said Curve General
Curve Accepting Nominations for 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year to be Honored on Teacher Appreciation Night
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the opening of the 2025 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year Competition. Three nominated teachers will be named Teachers of the Year with a special on-field ceremony on Teacher Appreciation Night, presented by 1st Summit Bank, on Saturday, May
Third Year of Curve Charities Generates Over $84,000 in Donations to Area Non-Profits
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting local youth programs and organizations that promote exercise, health, activity and education for the betterment of youth and community, is pleased to announce recipients of grant money and in-kind services for the 2024 grant cycle. The 2024 grant
CurveFest Returns to Peoples Natural Gas Field on March 1
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the return of CurveFest, presented by Ravine, on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A spring celebration of Curve Baseball at CurveFest will give fans their first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets, and the first 200 fans
Curve to Host Promotional Calendar Kick-Off Event at Levity Brewing Company
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce a brand new kick off event to reveal the 2025 Promotional Schedule, inviting fans to join them on Monday, February 24 at Levity Brewing Company in Altoona for First Pitch: A 2025 Season Preview. The February First Pitch event is
Curve Charities Gala Set to Return on Saturday, February 8
CURVE, PA –Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization, are pleased to announce the return of the Curve Charities Gala on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Altoona Grand Hotel. The fundraiser features a special appearance from Curve alumnus and former Pittsburgh Pirate Ian Snell as well as a silent auction
Around the Curve | Paul Skenes Wins Rookie of the Year Award
CURVE, Pa. – Paul Skenes has gone from college phenom to rookie sensation in a year’s time, and the accolades are just beginning to pile up. After a dominant campaign that stacks up as one of the best rookie seasons by a pitcher in Major League history, Skenes has been
Around the Curve | Jared Triolo Wins First Gold Glove Award
CURVE, Pa. – In 2022, Jared Triolo took the field in his Altoona Curve uniform to accept his Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award for his fantastic infield play at Greensboro in 2021. Next season, he will repeat the action in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. Triolo was named the winner
Curve Announce 2025 Game Times and Fireworks Dates at Peoples Natural Gas Field
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce home game times and fireworks dates for the 2025 season. Game times are subject to change. The 2025 season will once again feature 6:00 p.m. start times for many of the team’s home games
Curve Charities Grant Program Accepting Grant Applications for 2024
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization devoted to supporting local youth programs and organizations, is pleased to announce that Grant Applications for the 2024 Grant Program are available now to area non-profits that promote healthy living for the betterment of youth and community. The 2024 Grant Program
Curve Announce 2024 Team Awards
CURVE, PA – Prior to their penultimate game of the season on Saturday night the Curve honored four players with their annual team awards. Infielder Kervin Pichardo was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for 2024. Bubba Chandler was named the team’s Pitcher of the Year, Eddy Yean was named