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.
This was how Twitter reacted
Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. #Believe https://t.co/p4AI8tsyHC
— Jim Bergem (@Bergem) April 30, 2023
And his teammates reaction to it. Just perfect. https://t.co/MhgnWuLhzu
— Bill Seiders (@BseidersPhotog) April 30, 2023
And now the Drew Maggi story has a magical end in what to date is a magical Pittsburgh Pirates year. https://t.co/84j2mQ43bI
— Bob Hertzel (@bhertzel) April 30, 2023
This is so wholesome 🥹💛 https://t.co/81yAje3mSZ
— Alina ✨ (@alinamarie23) April 30, 2023
https://t.co/8i8YVMg61Y pic.twitter.com/HpDsYvu0NQ
— alex (@alex76056029) April 30, 2023
Baseball https://t.co/qcY6shtNvp pic.twitter.com/DGu94jOAWs
— Steve Lamb (@Real_sjl19) April 30, 2023
i love baseball 😭 https://t.co/yzdpATmkKm
— mel (@spookyscarymel) April 30, 2023
This team is nothing but good vibes https://t.co/tRaAUa64f6
— brent rooker stan account (@MrJayBenz) April 30, 2023
Never give up on your dreams https://t.co/vAuvKLemny
— Big League Chew Dynasty Baseball ⚾️ (@BigLeagueChew01) April 30, 2023
If that’s it for Maggi’s MLB career, what a way for it to end.
