In the immortal words of Brad Pitt as Billy Beane: How can you not be romantic about baseball?
It’s hard to imagine not feeling something while watching this clip of 33-year-old Pirates minor league shortstop Drew Maggi being informed that the day had finally arrived: he’s going to The Show.
Maggi had the news delivered to him by Altoona Curve manager Callix Crabbe in the clubhouse in front of the entire team. Crabbe opened his speech by stressing the themes of perspective, making good choices and having grit, then lauded Maggi for embodying all three traits before revealing the big announcement—setting the room into a hearty round of applause and hugs for the man of the hour.
It’s been a hell of a journey for Drew Maggi. pic.twitter.com/KPjXxLSj1B
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 23, 2023
The achievement is a culmination of a long and winding career for Maggi, who was a 15th-round draft pick by the Pirates in 2010. He’s played in 1,155 minor league games across five different organizations since then but has never appeared in a major league game. Maggi did receive a call-up by the Twins in September 2021 and was on the active roster for two days, but did not play in a game and was sent back down.
Never give up on your dream. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/rRlenZBSZn
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 23, 2023
Here’s hoping Maggi’s latest taste of life in the majors includes some actual time on the diamond.
