Paul Skenes reflects on journey on, off baseball field over last 12 months

One year ago, Paul Skenes was getting ready for the next step in his baseball journey. The Pittsburgh Pirates had just selected him in the MLB Draft on July 9 as the No. 1 overall pick – one month after he helped lead LSU to a College World Series championship.

In the time since, Skenes flew through the Pirates’ minor league system and made his major league debut in May – with his girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, by his side. He is dazzling through the first part of his career and it led him to not only an MLB All-Star Game appearance, but the starting nod for the National League, manager Torrey Lovullo announced Friday.

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If it seems like a whirlwind, that’s because it is. Skenes sounded like he’s still processing everything, but he’s still keeping it all in perspective.

“Looking back, the last 12 months, it feels really recent that the draft happened and the College World Series and all that,” Skenes told Kevin Negandhi during a SportsCenter appearance Friday evening. “It feels like it’s gone quicker, but it also feels like it’s been a while, too.

“It’s been interesting. Just staying present in it, taking it one day at a time, kind of allows you to do that.”

How Paul Skenes earned MLB All-Star Game start

Skenes has been sensational throughout his rookie campaign after making his MLB debut in May against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. He has a 6-0 record on the season with a 1.90 ERA, along with 89 strikeouts, in 66.1 innings of work. Those numbers led to calls for Skenes to start the All-Star Game just a few games into his career. That became official Friday, just a few days before the game starts from Globe Life Field in Texas.

Skenes received the news during an interview with Dan Patrick Friday afternoon. Lovullo called in to “crash” the party and make the announcement live on the air.

“Paul, I just wanted to congratulate you,” Lovullo said. “I’ve chosen you to be the starter for the national league in the 2024 All-Star Game. I’m really excited for you. It’s an unbelievable honor and it’s so well deserved. … You represent so many great things that this game creates.

“It’s such a great story, the way you’ve come on the scene, seeing the way you’ve done it with such humbleness, it’s noticeable. I’ll be honored to be your manager and I’ll be honored to be watching you throw your first pitch.”