It's easy to see why Andrew McCutchen is one of the most beloved players in baseball.
The Pirates star center fielder received a heartfelt letter from Matt Graeber, a young fan whom McCutchen visited at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh earlier this year. The letter was accompanied by a signed home run ball, part of Groeber's prosperous return to the baseball field after recovering from treatment for a brain abscess.
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McCutchen called Graeber a "true hero" as he shared the touching gesture on Facebook.
Matt - thank you for the HR ball... and the autograph! More importantly, I'm so glad you're doing better and healing....
Posted by Andrew Mccutchen on Monday, November 2, 2015
The letter reads:
Dear Andrew McCutchen,
This summer I suffered a brain abscess and spent most of my time in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. During my stay I was lucky enough to meet you when you visited to do art with the kids. Every night I looked forward to watching the Pirates and was thrilled to know you were come to visit. Baseball is my favorite sport and I was not sure if I would ever be able to play again. Your visit helped inspire me to get better.
I am felling [sic] better now and playing baseball again. This past weekend I played two games and hit three home runs. I am sending my first home run ball to you as a thank you.
Thank you again for the visit and picture you drew me in the hospital.
Your Friend,
Matt Groeber
Wolfpack
McCutchen exemplifies what it means to be a role model athlete. In May, he gave his batting gloves to a pair of young fans who were cheering for him in the center-field seats at PNC Park.
Prior to the start of the season, he had his distinctive dreadlocks chopped off for charity, his first haircut in eight years. He put 10 locks into separate Ziploc bags and paired each with an autographed ball to be auctioned to benefit Pirates Charities.
McCutchen has made five All-Star teams and won the National League MVP award in his first six seasons in the majors. Last week he won the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who "best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement."