History of Paul Skenes in Timeline

Paul Skenes is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB, having made his debut in 2024. He previously played college baseball for both the Air Force Falcons and the LSU Tigers, showcasing his talent before turning professional.

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Full Timeline

May 29, 2002: Paul Skenes born

On May 29, 2002, Paul David Skenes was born. He is now a professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

September 2018: Commitment to Air Force

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

2020: Graduation from El Toro High School

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

2021: Collegiate Summer Baseball with Wareham Gatemen

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

July 28, 2022: Transfer to LSU Announced

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

2022: Wins John Olerud Award

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

June 22, 2023: Breaks Strikeout Record

On June 22, 2023, 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: Signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates

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

2023: Wins Awards and College World Series

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

2023: Drafted first overall by the Pirates

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

May 11, 2024: MLB Debut

On May 11, 2024, Skenes was promoted to the major leagues by the Pirates. In his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs, he threw 17 fastballs at 100 mph or higher and struck out seven.

May 2024: MLB Debut and All-Star Selection

In May 2024, Skenes made his MLB debut. Later in 2024, he was named the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game, becoming only the fifth rookie in MLB history to do so.

July 7, 2024: Selected for MLB All-Star Game

On July 7, 2024, 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 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2024: Appointment to Air Force Class of 2024

In 2024, Skenes was appointed as part of the class of 2024 to play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons.

2024: Begins Season with Triple-A Indianapolis Indians

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

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

On January 28, 2025, Skenes was named as one of the three cover athletes of MLB The Show 25, alongside Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson. Skenes also became the first non two-way pitcher to be featured on a MLB The Show cover.