Saturday was likely a bittersweet day for Pirates infielder Drew Maggi. The 33-year-old had spent 13 seasons in the minor leagues before getting that much-awaited call to the big leagues last week.
And while his stay in Pittsburgh was short-lived, Maggi will always be able to say that he has a Major League hit.
The Pirates optioned Maggi to Double-A Altoona ahead of Saturday’s doubleheader with the Nationals, but they also designated Maggi as the 27th man for the games — meaning that he’d be active for one more day before returning to the minor leagues. Before Saturday, Maggi was hitless in his four MLB plate appearances, but that changed in Saturday’s 16-1 win over the Nationals.
Batting in the seventh inning, Maggi hit a line drive up the middle for an RBI single and his first career hit.
A base hit 13 years in the making. pic.twitter.com/SLQuoZU0lD
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 30, 2023
But look at the dugout’s reaction. They were so thrilled.
The Pirates dugout reacting to Drew Maggi’s first hit in the Show 🥹 pic.twitter.com/EavJRSx1iM
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 30, 2023
It doesn’t get much cooler than that. Maggi had been grinding 13 years in pursuit of his dream — all leading to that moment. Even if it was Maggi’s final night with the big-league club, it was cool to see the genuine happiness from the Pirates players. They were so proud of him.
He’d add to the hit total with a double in the ninth inning.
Drew Maggi is at it again, folks. pic.twitter.com/JCt2OYwOKm
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 30, 2023
Maggi can tell everyone he knows that he’s a career .333 MLB hitter. Fans also loved that moment for Maggi.