Pirates fans gave Andrew McCutchen a standing ovation in his return to Pittsburgh

Francisco Cervelli stepped back to let him enjoy the moment.

Andrew McCutchen returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since being traded to the Giants in the offseason, and the welcome he received from the fans shouldn’t surprise anyone who knew how popular he was in the Steel City.

In his first at-bat back in Pittsburgh, the fans gave him a standing ovation and the team showed their thanks with an outfield graphic reading “Thank You 22” accompanied by a picture of Cutch in his old uniform.

As he walked to the plate they also played a highlight reel tribute to his career with the Pirates, and he tipped his cap to the crowd and stood with his helmet in his hands.

The ovation easily lasted more than a minute, with an M-V-P chant breaking out and everyone in the park staying on their feet for the entirety of the celebration. He appeared to get a touch emotional and honestly who can blame him?

Before the game, McCutchen said of his return to PNC Park,

“People have asked, ‘How you going to feel? What’s it going to be like?’ I don’t know until I’m there and until I’m in the moment.”

”If I cry, I cry. Big whoop. You’re supposed to. And I if I don’t, I don’t.”

Perhaps the best of all of the lovely pieces of his return was Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli stepping back from his position behind the plate to allow Cutch to soak everything in and not have to rush through the touching display from the team and fans.

You may not agree with the Pirates trading him in the first place, but they hit welcoming him back right out of the park. Now excuse me while I go add “more tissues” to my grocery list.