Former Oriole Andrew Kittredge's Cubs Confession: His Most Wanted Out

James

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Post on Aug 06, 2025

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Former Oriole Andrew Kittredge's Cubs Confession: His Most Wanted Out

Former Baltimore Orioles reliever Andrew Kittredge recently made a surprising confession about his time with the Chicago Cubs: his most memorable and, perhaps, most wanted out wasn't a strikeout or a game-saving play, but a specific batter he faced. This revelation, shared during a recent interview, offers a fascinating glimpse into the competitive mind of a professional baseball player and the pressure-cooker environment of Major League Baseball.

Kittredge, known for his solid performance during his time with the Orioles, spent a portion of the 2023 season with the Cubs. While he didn't achieve the same level of success in Chicago as he did in Baltimore, his time there provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges of pitching in the MLB. His confession focuses not on a statistical anomaly, but on a visceral, memorable moment against a specific opponent.

The Pressure of the Big Leagues: More Than Just Stats

The interview revealed that Kittredge's most memorable moment wasn't defined by a spectacular strikeout or a clutch inning. Instead, he highlighted the intense pressure of facing a particular batter, whose identity he chose not to disclose. This underscores a critical aspect of professional baseball often overlooked by casual fans: the psychological warfare and individual matchups that shape the game. It's not always about the overall statistics; sometimes, it's about winning the individual battle.

Kittredge explained that the feeling of wanting that specific batter out was unlike anything he'd experienced before. The intensity, the focus, and the sheer desire for success against a single opponent created a unique pressure cooker scenario. This experience highlights the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level of professional baseball.

Beyond the Box Score: The Mental Game

The mental aspect of baseball is frequently discussed, but rarely dissected with such candidness. Kittredge's confession provides a valuable insight into the pressures faced by even experienced pitchers. It emphasizes that the game isn't just about physical skills and statistical achievements; it’s also about managing the mental strain of high-stakes competition. This is a crucial element for young players aspiring to reach the MLB, reminding them that mental preparation is as vital as physical training.

Learning from Every Out: A Pitcher's Perspective

Kittredge's anecdote, while seemingly minor in the grand scheme of his career, offers a compelling narrative about the realities of professional baseball. It underlines the fact that even successful players face intense pressure and experience moments of intense focus on individual matchups. His experience serves as a reminder that every at-bat, every pitch, and every out contributes to the overall story of a player's career.

For aspiring pitchers, Kittredge’s confession provides a valuable lesson: the mental game is as crucial as the physical. Mastering the mental aspects of pitching can significantly improve performance under pressure. Learning to manage the pressure, focus on the present moment, and strategize against individual opponents are key skills for success in professional baseball.

Keywords: Andrew Kittredge, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, MLB, baseball, pitching, mental game, pressure, interview, memorable moment, professional baseball, baseball players, sports psychology

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