(Photo by USA Today Sports via Reuters Con)

It was the heartwarming, feel-good story of early on in the Pirates’ season (other than their record). 

After 13 long years, and over 1,000 games played in the minor leagues, journeyman ballplayer Drew Maggi had fulfilled a lifelong dream: his MLB debut. 

Noted as a strong clubhouse leader and great personality, Maggi had begun the 2023 season in Double-A with the Altoona Curve after an impressive spring training performance. 

Then, soon after, he got the call he had been waiting years to hear. A major league team was calling him up, and he was to report to the Pirates. 

Upon arrival, his story gained wide praise and admiration amongst the Pirates fan base, all eager to see him finally make his long-awaited Major League Baseball debut. 

It was probably an excruciating few days for Maggi, as well as his parents and other family and friends, as he waited to see his first taste of MLB action. His first few days up in the big leagues, the Pirates never found themselves in a comfortable enough position to slot Maggi in late in the game. 

Finally, on April 26th, Maggi made his debut, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The next day, he made his first career MLB start, playing at third base. He went 0 for 3 in that game, looking very eager to try and nail his first MLB hit. 

His debut thrilled fans who had waited to get to see him in action. 

He was an inspiring story, leading him to be a fan favorite during his very brief time up in the majors for the Pirates. 

Then on April 29th, during the second game of a double-header, Maggi hit the next milestone of his career. Entering late in the game, with the Pirates 12-0 over the Washington Nationals, Maggi stood at the plate. 

Taking a swing of faith, he connected on a pitch and hit the ball into the outfield. As he reached first base, the moment became surreal, evident in the big smile he was wearing. His teammates, barely able to contain themselves to the dugout, shouted and cheered. 

To make the moment even better, Maggi’s first career hit in the majors also batted in a run, making the rout of Washington now 13-0. Later in the same game, Maggi smacked in a double as well, in a game the Pirates would eventually win 16-1. 

Not long after, the Pirates returned Maggi to the minor leagues, where he and fans had hoped to see a return to the majors in the works sometime later this season. 

But that hope was abruptly ended earlier today, when news broke that the Pirates had released the 34 year old. 

Maggi was batting .181 with Double-A Altoona this season, and had not played in a game since July 8th. Six days later on July 14th, he was transferred to the Development List, a subtle hint that maybe the Pirates were gearing up to move on from Maggi. 

Given the youth movement that is not only taking over the Pirates’ major league look, but their farm teams as well, Maggi’s spot in Altoona was getting harder and harder to keep as he struggled at the plate. 

Maggi was extremely amicable after the release, thanking both the Pirates organization and the Pirates fans, whom he called “the best in the world.” 

Still valuable for his leadership and likeability, a signing to another organization’s minor league system is not out of the question, as is a possible role on a coaching staff of some sort. Maggi, of course, would prefer any option that still keeps him doing what he loves: playing baseball. 

“I’m not done yet!” he added in his statement.