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McCutchen pops question to SRU grad

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen proposes marriage to Slippery Rock University graduate Maria Hanslovan on the Ellen DeGeneres show.
Pirates star makes pitch on national TV show

Pittsburgh Pirates superstar Andrew McCutchen on Wednesday caught widespread attention when he proposed to his fiancee, a 2011 Slippery Rock University graduate, on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

Dancing his way between Christmas trees on the Los Angeles set, “Cutch” chatted with the television host, leading into a video that included clips of him playing baseball.

Speaking lovingly about the couple's four years together during his narration of the video, he said, “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.”

Maria Hanslovan, dressed in white when she was plucked from the audience, accepted his proposal and was presented a bouquet of roses and a Pirates themed veil.

Within hours, Hanslovan was being dubbed the “First Lady of the Pittsburgh Pirates” on sports Internet sites.Attempts to reach the bride-to-be were not successful.Hanslovan of Dubois reportedly attended Dubois Central Catholic before spending all four years of her collegiate career at SRU. She majored in forensic and biological chemistry, according to university officials.McCutchen, who was known to visit the campus, attended her graduation ceremony.McCutchen, who plays center field, this year won the Most Valuable Player Award in the National League.

Andrew McCutchen

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