History of Paul Skenes in Timeline

Paul Skenes is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB, debuting in 2024. He honed his skills playing college baseball, first for the Air Force Falcons and later for the LSU Tigers. His transition to professional baseball marks a significant step in his career, solidifying his presence in the major leagues.

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Full Timeline

May 29, 2002: Paul Skenes Born

On May 29, 2002, Paul David Skenes was born. He would later become a professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

September 2018: Committed to the Air Force Academy

In September 2018, during his junior year, Paul Skenes announced his commitment to attend the United States Air Force Academy and play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons.

2020: Graduated from El Toro High School

In 2020, Paul Skenes graduated from El Toro High School with a grade point average of 4.76.

2021: Played in the Cape Cod Baseball League

In 2021, Paul Skenes played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

July 28, 2022: Transferred to LSU

On July 28, 2022, Paul Skenes announced that he would transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play for the LSU Tigers.

2022: Won John Olerud Award

In 2022, Paul Skenes won the John Olerud Award as the nation's best two-way player.

June 22, 2023: Broke strikeout record

On June 22, 2023, Paul Skenes broke Ben McDonald's SEC and LSU record for strikeouts in a single season, recording his 203rd strikeout of the year.

July 18, 2023: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates

On July 18, 2023, Paul Skenes signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a $9.2 million signing bonus.

2023: Won National Pitcher of the Year Award and College World Series

Following the 2023 season, Paul Skenes won the National Pitcher of the Year Award and the Dick Howser Trophy. LSU won the 2023 College World Series, and Skenes was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.

2023: Won College World Series Championship

In 2023, Paul Skenes was part of the LSU pitching staff that won the Men's College World Series championship. He was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

2023: Selected first overall by the Pirates

In 2023, Paul Skenes was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB draft and signed to a $9.2 million bonus.

May 11, 2024: MLB Debut

On May 11, 2024, Paul Skenes made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs. He threw 17 fastballs at 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) or higher and struck out seven.

May 2024: MLB Debut and All-Star Selection

In May 2024, Paul Skenes made his MLB debut and was named the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game, becoming only the fifth rookie in MLB history to achieve this.

July 7, 2024: Selected to the MLB All-Star Game

On July 7, 2024, Paul Skenes was selected to the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, becoming the first No. 1 draft pick to do so as a rookie.

2024: MLB Debut

In 2024, Paul Skenes made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2024: Started the 2024 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians

Paul Skenes began the 2024 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, posting a 0.99 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 27+1⁄3 innings.

2024: Appointment as part of the Air Force Academy class of 2024

Paul Skenes honored his commitment to play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and accepted an appointment as part of the class of 2024.

January 28, 2025: Cover Athlete of MLB The Show 25

On January 28, 2025, Paul Skenes was named as one of the three cover athletes of "MLB The Show 25" alongside Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson.

March 27, 2025: Opening Day Starting Pitcher

On March 27, 2025, Paul Skenes was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2025 Pirates, pitching against the Miami Marlins.

April 2, 2025: First win of the season

On April 2, 2025, Paul Skenes got his first win of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays, pitched seven innings, giving up three hits, and striking out six batters in a 4–2 win.