Billy Martin was hired and fired as manager of the Yankees so many times that his return to the team ho played for probably lost some of the luster over the years. And I’m not too sure how many Braves fans were distraught when Charlie Morton left the Braves after only 74 innings in 2008. I wonder how many held a parade when he returned in 2021. Regardless, players come and go and some have the good fortune to return to their first team-the one where they enjoyed their greatest success.

It’s been heartening to see the warm reception Andrew McCutchen has received upon his return to the Pirates. Cutch won the NL MVP with Pittsburgh and was the face of the franchise for nine years. It was tough to see him leave and play for other teams. Since 2018 he played with the Yankees, Giants, Phillies and Brewers. He put up decent numbers and contributed, but never looked quite the same. It’s important for the Pirates and MLB to have him back at PNC.

It’s nice when players sign the obligatory one-day contract to they can retire with their original team, but it’s much nicer when the player can return and contribute in a meaningful way. Sometimes it’s more important for the fans’ sake, but either way the game benefits from a small measure of continuity.

There is something wonderful about seeing Cutch patrol the outfield at PNC park on a late Saturday afternoon.