Pittsburgh Pirates infielder/outfielder Drew Maggi Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Pirates minor leaguer gets emotional call to majors after 14 years

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 4/23/23

Drew Maggi has spent 14 years playing professional baseball in the minor leagues without ever getting an opportunity to play in a Major League game.

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates gave Maggi an unexpected call-up to the big leagues to fill a spot on the roster after All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds was played on the bereavement list. Maggi still did not get a chance to play in the Pirates' 2-0 win, but his call-up to the majors from Double-A Altoona was the type of feel-good story that makes people love sports.

Have a watch at the moment Maggi got the call.

It’s been a hell of a journey for Drew Maggi. pic.twitter.com/KPjXxLSj1B
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 23, 2023

Maggi is expected to be sent back down to Altoona by Tuesday's game when Reynolds makes his return, and he did not get a chance to play in the Pirates' win on Sunday, but that was still an awesome moment to watch -- and a great reward -- for a player that has put in a lot of years and effort to continue chasing his dream.

Maggi was originally a 47th-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008 but did not sign with the team. He was then selected in the 15th round by the Pirates during the 2010 draft. Since then he has spent his career playing in various levels of the minors in the Pirates, Dodgers, Twins, Guardians and Phillies organizations. This is his second stop in the Pirates organization.

During his minor league career he has hit 45 home runs with a .254 average and .697 OPS.

Maggi was probably the choice for Sunday's call due to the last-minute nature of needing a player and the close proximity of Altoona to Pittsburgh.

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