Whether it’s baseball, hockey or football, the impact of a superstar athlete goes well beyond their performance on game day.

Tuesday was a great reminder of that.

Andrew McCutchen didn’t hit a home run, Sidney Crosby didn’t score a goal and Peyton Manning didn’t throw a touchdown. However, Tuesday’s news surrounding the trio will have a profound effect on their respective franchises.

The most powerful things in life are often intangible and the same can be applied to sports. Superstars can instantly change the course of a game, but they also have the unique ability to alter the feeling around a city.

First, they bring hope for the future. Then, there’s belief in the present. And finally, once the star begins to lose their shine, there’s closure.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed McCutchen, a 25-year-old All-Star center fielder, to a six-year, $51.5 million extension Tuesday and it was a wonderful sign for the beleaguered franchise.

Despite 19 consecutive losing seasons, the Buccos claim they’re committed to winning. By locking up McCutchen, not only are the Pirates talking the talk — they’re walking the walk.

The Bucs tried to bolster its roster through free agency this offseason, but it’s difficult to convince even second-tier talent to join a franchise with a laughable track record over the past two decades.

With McCutchen — and Jose Tabata, who signed a long-term deal last August — entrenched in the Pittsburgh outfield for the next several years, the Pirates suddenly have a much stronger sales pitch for free agents of the future.

For the first time in a long time, there’s a legitimate sense of hope surrounding the team.

It’s reminiscent of when Crosby first joined the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby instantly delivered hope upon his arrival. That hope evolved into belief over the years.

The captain was cleared for contact Tuesday and while Pittsburgh was already a contender for the Stanley Cup, the Penguins might be the favorite if Crosby gets on the ice.

A superstar in the prime of his career instills a belief in his team — and city — that a championship is within reach.

Manning provided hope for the Indianapolis Colts after being drafted No. 1 overall in 1998. He went on to give Indy belief it was capable of winning a Super Bowl throughout the better part of the past 14 years.

The Colts announced Tuesday the team will part ways with Manning. Even for a living legend, it’s time to move on.

It happens in every sport, to every superstar. There comes a time for closure. No athlete is immune to it.

It’s an inevitable cycle, just ask Hines Ward.

Millions of Indianapolis fans are devastated to see Manning walk away from the Colts, and rightfully so.

Four MVPs and a Super Bowl triumph will spur those feelings.

Soon, though, Indy will draft quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick and the cycle will begin again.

The Colts will have another potential superstar, a new sense of hope.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.