

Last Wednesday in Pittsburgh, the city hosted the grand event, Big Night AHT. NFL legend and ESPN host Pat McAfee lit up the night with his energy and stories, reminiscing about his playing days. Pittsburgh native and rapper Wiz Khalifa, along with hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, performed at the event, getting the crowd moving. McAfee also brought out Pittsburgh Pirates’ star pitcher Paul Skenes. But fans noticed someone was missing—Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen wasn’t there.
McAfee, now a WWE announcer, called out the MLB team for what he saw as mismanagement. He believed the franchise would invite all players to the event. On April 11, he replied to McCutchen on X, saying: “What’s up @TheCUTCH22? There was an entire suite given, by me, to the Pirates for their players to use at Big Night AHT. I thought that was the right play. I think it was for the guys that asked to go?” Is there something going on behind the scenes that hasn’t been made public?
It sure seems that way. Otherwise, there’s no clear reason why a franchise valued at $1.3 billion wouldn’t include one of its most iconic players. Despite the apparent snub by the team, Pat McAfee added, “Would’ve loved to have you there… NEXT TIME hopefully,” making his respect for McCutchen’s legacy clear.
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What’s up @TheCUTCH22?
There was an entire suite given, by me, to the Pirates for their players to use at Big Night AHT.. I thought that was the right play.
I think it was for the guys that asked to go?
Would’ve loved to have you there… NEXT TIME hopefully pic.twitter.com/gYEGgrWhCY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 12, 2025
Athletes from different games graced the event. Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Pittsburgh Penguins legends Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang were also there. As the promos for the show aired, no one assumed that the MLB star would not be there. It was for the city of Pittsburgh. More than 10+ people enjoyed the night.
However, the reality is that the outfielder wasn’t there. It was the point of intrigue for many Pittsburgh residents. The way in which the situation unfolded was even more mysterious.
What’s your perspective on:
Why was Andrew McCutchen left out of the Big Night AHT? Is there more to the story?
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Andrew McCutchen publicly called out Pat McAfee
The fans enjoyed the show. But when some of them started posting the MLB star’s absence on social media, it became even more visible. Everyone started contemplating what went south. But he clarified the situation. McCutchen replied to one fan, “Didn’t get invited.” That was enough to start the rumor mill. His legacy cannot be undermined in any scenario. However, Pat McAfee didn’t snub him. We can say he was also misguided.
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The disgrace is increasing day by day. Apple TV also made a big error on Friday during the Pirates game against the Reds. While Skenes was giving an interview, the split-screen broadcast also showed a person sitting in the stands. As Skenes praised McCutchen, “I remember his MVP year and the playoff years in Pittsburgh, and he was at the center of all that.” But the cameraman was definitely confused.

via Imago
Image Credits: Social media, taken from Instagram @Pittsburgh Pirates
They showed the game for brief moments before going back again in the split screen mode. Pirates player Ke’Bryan Hayes trolled the network for making such a big mistake and tweeted, “…..did apple tv really think this was Andrew McCutchen? I have no words.” It was funny yet ridiculous at the same time.
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Such disrespect is never taken lightly. Hopefully, the MLB legend will get over Pat McAfee’s mistake. He is a master of the game who has entertained fans for many years now.
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Why was Andrew McCutchen left out of the Big Night AHT? Is there more to the story?