McCutchen talks proposal, marriage, kids

PITTSBURGH — Channel 11’s Lisa Sylvester talked exclusively Thursday with Andrew McCutchen about his recent marriage proposal on national television, as well as his plans for the future with his soon-to-be wife.

McCutchen appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Wednesday, not to talk about his successful year as a Pittsburgh Pirate or being named the National League MVP, but for the sole purpose of proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Maria Hansloven.

“I kind of had another idea and that got crushed. So I didn’t know when I was going to do it,” McCutchen said Thursday. “My PR guy called me and said, ‘Do you want to do it on Ellen?’ and I just said yes.”

Cutch danced his way on to Ellen’s stage and wasted no time. The popular television host was obviously in on the proposal and almost immediately asked McCutchen if he was single.

“I was nervous, especially waiting and leading up to it. Once it was happening, all the nerves kind of subsided and I relaxed a little bit,” McCutchen said.

A video montage of McCutchen and Maria appeared, with Andrew narrating the piece saying, “When I hit a home run, it’s a home run, but there’s a bigger picture behind it for me. Going to first, going to second, going to third and then going home… each base that I touch, it means a year.

“In the beginning it was definitely fun, getting to know each other, staying up late at night, talking on the phone for four hours…. We continue to just get stronger. Not only stronger with each other, but with God. So when I step on third base and look toward home, I know that you’re always going to be there waiting for me. That’s why I always tip my cap every time I touch home plate.”

Hansloven was then brought on stage for the big moment.

“I’ve always envisioned that I would be on the highest mountain in the world and my voice would be as loud as a lion’s roar times a billion so the whole world could hear me just tell you how much I love you,” McCutchen said. “I didn’t do any of this for the publicity. I didn’t do any of this for the recognition. I did this to show you that if I could tell the whole world how much I love you, I would do that.”

Cutch then popped the question to a roaring crowd. Maria, of course, said yes.

“She had no idea it was coming. She knew I was going to propose eventually, but she didn’t know when,” McCutchen said Thursday. “She didn’t expect it to be on Ellen.”

Sylvester asked McCutchen if he and his fiancée had any time to discuss possible wedding plans.

“We’re still trying to figure out a date, we don’t really know anything yet. We’re still talking about things and like, what’s next,” McCutchen said.

The important question Pirates fans want to know -- could Andrew McCutchen Jr. one day follow in his father’s footsteps and play center field for the Buccos?

“I can’t wait to one day have some kids, little Cutches running around,” McCutchen said.

WPXI