Laurila: Q&A with Andrew McCutchen, thoughtful superstar
From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on August 7, 2012:
Andrew McCutchen is chasing a batting title — he leads the National League with a .369 average — as well as an MVP award. The 25-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder tops the senior circuit in WAR and ranks second in OPS and runs scored. More importantly, he’s the catalyst for a team contending for its first playoff berth in two decades.
McCutchen talked about his approach to the game — and what it means to wear a Pirates uniform — last week at Wrigley Field.
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McCutchen on why he plays baseball: “It’s what I want to do and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Ever since I was 5 years old, it’s been the sport I really love. It’s really that simple. I could do other things, but not only can I play this game, I love playing this game. That’s been the case ever since I was a very young age.”
On baseball history: “History means a lot. You pay attention to what happened back in the day, from the early years all the way to where we are now. That’s especially true when you’re playing somewhere like we are today, in a ballpark like Wrigley Field. It’s the oldest park in the league and the more you know about it, the more you’re going to appreciate it. History is definitely a big part of this game.
Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/qa-andrew-mccutchen-thoughtful-superstar/
Originally published: August 7, 2012. Last Updated: August 7, 2012.