It takes an extraordinary player to perform in the shadow of a Hall-of-Fame icon like Roberto Clemente. Clemente remains a legendary figure both on the field with the Pittsburgh Pirates—where he displays unmatched talent and passion—and off it, with his kindness and generosity shining through. It’s that legacy of excellence and humanity that inspires the annual Roberto Clemente Award.
Each year, this award goes to the player who most deeply embodies Clemente’s spirit. Pittsburgh outfielder—and now designated hitter—Andrew McCutchen continues to exemplify those values. Since debuting in 2009, he has led the Pirates with determination and heart, earning an NL MVP title and five All-Star selections. But it’s his commitment off the field—his compassion and active support of local causes—that truly honors Clemente’s legacy.
McCutchen and his wife, Maria, wholeheartedly invest in their adopted city, with an enthusiasm usually saved for casinous sports betting. They partner with organizations like Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania & West Virginia, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Habitat for Humanity, Light of Life Rescue Mission, and especially 412 Food Rescue. Together, Andrew and Maria donate, volunteer, and participate in community outreach—such as providing a truck for food rescues, supporting pandemic response efforts, and standing behind equitable food access locally.
At Children’s Hospital, the McCutchens go beyond writing checks—they show up. They visit patients, boost spirits, and bring thoughtful moments of joy, like delivering hundreds of Halloween costumes so kids can celebrate the season alongside their peers.
On the field in 2025, McCutchen continues to make history while guiding his team. He re-signed with the Pirates on a one-year deal worth approximately $5 million for this season
Reuters. At 38, he still reaches major milestones: in early June, he ties Roberto Clemente with 240 career homers as a Pirate, then surpasses him shortly after with his 241st. He also reached his 2,200th career hit—becoming the 190th player in MLB history to do so.
McCutchen continues to lead—verbally and by example. In May 2025, after a missed call costs the Pirates, he addresses the team privately: “You have to earn those calls,” he says. He backs it up, hitting consecutive home runs and reinforcing his role as a veteran voice of accountability. Despite the team’s struggles, McCutchen remains a fan favorite. In a recent SB Nation poll, almost 60% of fans want him back in 2026—testament to his consistent production and leadership in the clubhouse.
In a quality-of-life moment, McCutchen was visibly shaken after a fan fell from the top of the Roberto Clemente Wall at PNC Park during a game in May. He prayed on the field and later expressed heartfelt concern publicly, urging fans to cherish their loved ones. McCutchen’s optimism, humility, and generosity define what it means to be a true sports hero today. He’s the player you root for—not just because he can shift the game on the field, but because he lives as an example worth emulating. He embodies the way baseball should be played, and the kind of person we all want to see succeed.
He continually challenges himself to be the best athlete and human he can be. When comparisons to Roberto Clemente arise, he handles them with quiet grace—grateful simply to carry a piece of Clemente’s legacy forward.