The Overnight Sensation
Paul Skenes, the 22-year-old sensation who has emerged as baseball’s Next Big Thing, is finding it hard to escape the spotlight. His rapid rise to fame began with his remarkable rookie year, where he finished third in the NL Cy Young voting despite not playing a full season. The journey to stardom has taken some unexpected turns, such as when he ran into former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman at the Super Bowl. The three-time Super Bowl champion expressed his admiration for Skenes, to which the young pitcher replied, "same." Just a few days later, Skenes was surprised to see his mustachioed face on an ad in the Bradenton-Sarasota airport, a testament to his growing popularity. His appearances on MLB The Show and Late Night with Seth Meyers have only added to the hype. Despite the attention, Skenes remains grounded, understanding that his continued success on the mound is what truly matters.
Embracing the Hype
While the attention and recognition are flattering, Skenes is still adjusting to the magnified spotlight. He acknowledges that the hype is nice and that it comes with the territory of being a top pitcher. However, he is acutely aware that his success must be sustained. The former Air Force cadet, known for his sincerity, knows that if his performance dips, the accolades will quickly fade. Skenes is determined to build on his rookie year and continue to impress, both on and off the field. His girlfriend, a highly followed athlete and influencer, and the fans who sport his No. 30 T-shirts and plastic mustaches, add to the pressure but also serve as a reminder of the impact he can have. Skenes is at the intersection of baseball and broader culture, with his fastball regularly hitting triple digits and his innovative "splinker" pitch drawing praise from baseball purists. While he has embraced the hype to some extent, his primary focus remains on his game and his team.
The Leader Within
Despite his young age, Skenes is taking on a leadership role with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team’s disappointing 76-86 record last season has created a sense of urgency among the players and coaches. Skenes, who became an instant box office draw upon his call-up, is determined to help the Pirates break out of their decade-long slump. He draws inspiration from his experiences at Air Force, where he was named a co-captain his sophomore year and led the Falcons to improvement. Skenes believes that leadership should come naturally and doesn’t plan to force it. He is more focused on setting a positive example for his teammates, much like the way he and his friend Bubba Chandler hold each other accountable during workouts. Skenes’ meticulous approach to his craft, from his diet to his training, is a model for his younger teammates, and his veteran teammates trust his leadership due to his "insane" work ethic and professionalism.
The Work Ethic Behind the Stardom
Skenes’ remarkable success is not just a product of his natural talent but also his unwavering work ethic. He spent the offseason diligently studying video footage, looking for ways to improve his efficiency and add a true sinker to his repertoire. His commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of his life. Whether it’s wearing a suit to the ballpark on his pitching days or ensuring that every rep during training is executed perfectly, Skenes is determined to be the best. Bubba Chandler, a Pirates prospect and Skenes’ workout partner, admires this dedication, noting that "that’s what elite people do." Skenes’ focus on continuous improvement and his willingness to put in the extra effort set him apart from his peers and make him a formidable presence on the mound.
Balancing Fame and Privacy
While Skenes is thrust into the limelight, he remains cautious about the impact of fame. He has no active TikTok account and is selective about his media appearances, drawing lessons from childhood idols like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, who have both excelled on the field while maintaining a sense of privacy. Skenes wants to be known for his baseball skills and is careful not to let the trappings of fame overshadow his game. He understands that his popularity contributes to baseball’s resurgence but is more interested in the game itself. For Skenes, playing the sport he loves since childhood is the ultimate goal, and everything else is secondary. He is building his career with a long-term perspective, knowing that the key to sustained success is staying true to himself and his roots.
The Future of Baseball
As Skenes continues to dazzle fans and analysts alike, the spotlight on him is only likely to grow brighter. Whether it’s in Pittsburgh or with a deeper-pocketed franchise like the Dodgers or Yankees, his unique blend of talent and personality positions him as a potential crossover star. However, Skenes is mindful of the expectations and the pressure that come with such a status. He remains committed to his team and the game, preferring to let his performance on the mound speak for itself. Skenes’ journey is a reminder that while fame can be intoxicating, the true measure of a star is their dedication to the sport and their ability to lead and inspire those around them. As baseball’s Next Big Thing, Paul Skenes is poised to make a lasting impact, driven by his passion and his work ethic.
