Watch: Russell Wilson Talks with Andrew McCutchen, Takes Batting Practice with Pirates

New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is endearing himself to the Pittsburgh faithful already. On Friday, Wilson is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox game, and Wilson is taking part in pregame warmups with the Pirates. Wilson is a gifted baseball player himself and no stranger to the diamond.

And according to Pittsburgh Baseball Now’s Danny Demilio, Wilson caught up with Andrew McCutchen and took part in batting practice before the game.

QB1 making some new friends: pic.twitter.com/R0MClKFdq0

— Danny Demilio (@Demilio22) April 19, 2024

TOUCHDAHN

Russ hits 22 deep for six. pic.twitter.com/OAerPwkqoU

— Danny Demilio (@Demilio22) April 19, 2024

Cutch and Russ tossing some football pic.twitter.com/Uvr8d3CUhy

— Danny Demilio (@Demilio22) April 19, 2024

New Steelers QB Russell Wilson taking some BP at PNC Park pic.twitter.com/JFurRmCowW

— Danny Demilio (@Demilio22) April 19, 2024

This is one way that Russell Wilson has tried to ingratiate himself into the Pittsburgh community. He attended the NCAA Tournament previously and has already been to a Penguins hockey game, too, so it’s no surprise that Wilson would now show up at a Pirates game.

Wilson and new quarterback Justin Fields are already down at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex working out with the rest of the Steelers team. That is only the first phase, but Wilson has made it known that he wants to be a vocal and present leader for the team, and it seems like he is doing just that.

While the first phase of the voluntary offseason program consists of activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation, the players do not need to show up if they choose not to attend. While today is the official start to the team’s offseason programs, phase three of the offseason program is when the work really ramps up for the players. In phase three, which begins on May 21 and runs though June 6, is when organized team activities start. The organized team activities will be the first time that many of the new faces of the team can make an impression in the coaching staff.

Russell Wilson has already made sure that the receivers and himself have got some work in before the season even started, inviting Pat Freiermuth, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III out to San Diego to work with him.

“I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes,” Freiermuth said. “He’s been great at talking to guys and starting to build that connection. He’s a great guy. You can tell the drive and determination that he has to win and come to Pittsburgh and win some playoff games for us. I think he is going to fit our culture and locker room very well.”

Wilson is hoping to lead the Steelers to playoff success, but first, he is getting to know the community a little bit around him.