The Untold Truth Of Paul Skenes

The MLB may have a bunch of dark secrets, but there are also plenty of bright spots worth talking about – like Pittsburgh Pirates newcomer Paul Skenes. Anyone who enjoys the sport knows that, despite his young age, Skenes is one of the hottest MLB players in the game today. But it’s not just his pitching that stands out. His journey to the big leagues has been punctuated by impressive achievements that many fans might not be aware of.

Skenes has loved baseball since he was a kid. He graduated high school with an impressive 4.76 GPA before joining the Air Force Academy. While he could have pursued a promising military career, he ultimately chose baseball. After becoming a standout at Louisiana State University, Skenes was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, setting a new signing bonus record with a remarkable $9.2 million.

Since then, he has continued to make headlines, not only for his pitching skills but also for his personal life. His relationship with gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne has been a hot topic since rumors of their dating began in 2023. However, his gameplay became the center of attention again in May 2024 when the 6'6", 247-pound powerhouse made his MLB debut. There are still many layers to uncover about this star pitcher, and this article dives deep into the untold truth of Paul Skenes.

Biography

Full Name	Paul Skenes
Date of Birth	May 23, 2001
Height	6'6"
Weight	247 pounds
High School	El Toro High School
College	Louisiana State University
MLB Team	Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB Draft	1st overall pick, 2023
Signing Bonus	$9.2 million

Paul Skenes Showed MLB Potential at a Young Age
He Second-Guessed His Future at the Air Force Academy
Paul Skenes Once Ripped Into Students for Disrespecting the National Anthem
Skenes Was Real Serious About Grading Dorm Rooms
Ultimately, He Had to Choose Between the Military and Baseball
Cadet Training Prepared Skenes for Sports Greatness
He Torched the Minor Leagues on the Way to His Big League Debut
Inside His Supportive Relationship with Olivia Dunne
Skenes Remains a Staunch Advocate for Military Members and Their Families

Paul Skenes Showed MLB Potential at a Young Age

If you believe great athletes are born and not made, Paul Skenes is certainly a prime example. His parents, Craig and Karen, recognized his potential early on. By the age of seven, he was already playing baseball and watching games on TV, which he describes as his lifelong passion. "It’s all I’ve ever done, really," he said. "Baseball is the only sport I ever wanted to play."

While trying out for the USA Baseball 12U National Team in 2014, Skenes met his future high school coach, Mike Gonzalez. Gonzalez noted Skenes’ great arm and mechanics, which helped him secure a spot on the team. Once at El Toro High, he was under pressure to follow in the footsteps of major leaguers like Matt Chapman and Nolan Arenado. Skenes quickly distinguished himself, showing he had the most power during batting practice among his peers.

His physical presence was notable as well; he began high school at 6'1" and later grew to 6'7". Gonzalez remarked that Skenes was "just a massive human being" and that his hitting power was unmatched.

He Second-Guessed His Future at the Air Force Academy

After graduating from high school, Paul Skenes enrolled in the United States Air Force Academy, momentarily sidelining his baseball career. Although he joined the baseball team as a freshman, he opted for a relief pitcher role. Coaches were still impressed with his hitting prowess, especially his 92 mph fastballs.

Despite his natural talent, Skenes was pragmatic about his future in Major League Baseball. His mother mentioned that while he always believed in himself, he understood the challenges ahead. Skenes also had a strong desire to serve his country, stating, "Playing professional baseball was a dream of mine, but it wasn’t the primary dream." He focused on getting game time at the Academy and requested to be the Friday night starter, a decision that ultimately changed the course of his career.

Paul Skenes Once Ripped Into Students for Disrespecting the National Anthem

Paul Skenes' passion for the military was evident during his time at the Air Force Academy. In a memorable incident, he confronted fellow cadets who disrespected the national anthem. Following a tragic event where 13 service members died in an attack, Skenes noticed two cadets standing at ease instead of at attention during the anthem.

After the anthem, he expressed his disappointment, demonstrating the strong character and moral compass he possesses. His former coach Ryan Forrest commented on this incident, highlighting it as a prime example of Skenes' leadership qualities.

Skenes Was Real Serious About Grading Dorm Rooms

Another example of Skenes' commitment to discipline occurred during his time at the Air Force Academy when he was responsible for grading dorm rooms. He took this duty seriously, ensuring his fellow cadets maintained proper order in their living spaces.

Coaches and friends noted that Skenes held everyone to high standards, refusing to overlook any mess, even for fellow athletes. His former roommate, Aerik Joe, shared that Skenes had a profound love for the military and what it stood for. Balancing sports with rigorous coursework, Skenes never missed a morning formation.

Ultimately, He Had to Choose Between the Military and Baseball

In 2022, Skenes faced a pivotal choice between continuing his military path or pursuing his baseball dreams. He realized that staying at the Air Force Academy would delay his aspirations until after graduation, a risk he was not willing to take.

Ultimately, Skenes transferred to LSU, a decision he called the toughest of his life. He recognized that while he could serve later in life, his window to make it in professional sports was limited. His decision proved wise, as he honed his pitching skills and became a standout player at LSU.

Cadet Training Prepared Skenes for Sports Greatness

Paul Skenes' passion for service runs deep and is rooted in family tradition. With multiple family members serving in the military, Skenes knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. His experience in Basic Cadet Training at the Air Force Academy taught him valuable life lessons, shaping his character.

As a sophomore, he further developed his leadership skills by helping others, including tutoring teammates and assisting exchange students. His time at the Academy not only made him a better person but also a better athlete, preparing him for success on the mound.

He Torched the Minor Leagues on the Way to His Big League Debut

After a standout year at LSU, Skenes was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite high expectations, Skenes was initially sent to the minors for development.

He dominated in the minor leagues, showcasing his impressive skills and earning a promotion to the major leagues. Skenes made his long-awaited MLB debut on May 11, 2024, where he showcased his potential by throwing multiple pitches exceeding 100 mph. His approach to the game remained humble as he acknowledged the need to improve.

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