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. Prior to his professional career, Skenes played college baseball, first for the Air Force Falcons and later transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, showcasing his talent before reaching the major leagues.

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Full Timeline

1920: Start of the Live Ball Era

Since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920, statistics show that Paul Skenes has achieved remarkable feats.

1964: Dean Chance's Age 23 Season

In 1964, Dean Chance, at age 23, recorded an ERA as low as Skenes' during his age-23 season.

1969: Vida Blue's Early Career ERA

From 1969-1972, Vida Blue recorded a 2.01 ERA, being the only pitcher to have a lower ERA over their first 50 starts compared to Skenes since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920.

1971: Vida Blue's Age 21 Season

In 1971, Vida Blue, at age 21, recorded an ERA as low as Skenes' during his age-23 season.

1972: Vida Blue's Early Career ERA

From 1969-1972, Vida Blue recorded a 2.01 ERA, being the only pitcher to have a lower ERA over their first 50 starts compared to Skenes since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920.

1984: Dwight Gooden's Cy Young Award

In 1984, Dwight Gooden had a great season in which he won the Cy Young Award, a feat Paul Skenes later emulated in 2025.

1985: Dwight Gooden's Cy Young Award

In 1985, Dwight Gooden had a great season in which he won the Cy Young Award, a feat Paul Skenes later emulated in 2025.

1985: Dwight Gooden's Age 20 Season

In 1985, Dwight Gooden, at age 20, recorded an ERA as low as Skenes' during his age-23 season.

May 29, 2002: Paul Skenes' Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

September 2018: Committed to 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: Collegiate Summer Baseball with Wareham Gatemen

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

July 28, 2022: Announced Transfer to LSU

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

2022: Justin Verlander's ERA

In 2022, Justin Verlander had a 1.75 ERA with the Houston Astros, and Paul Skenes had a 1.97 ERA, the first sub-2.00 ERA for a starting pitcher since Justin Verlander's record.

2022: Won John Olerud Award

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

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 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 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: 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 in MLB Draft

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

May 11, 2024: MLB Debut against the Chicago Cubs

On May 11, 2024, Paul Skenes made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs, striking out seven and surrendering three earned runs in four innings.

May 2024: MLB Debut and All-Star Selection

In May 2024, Paul Skenes made his MLB debut. 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 to 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: Appointment at Air Force Academy

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

2024: MLB Debut

In 2024, Paul Skenes made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2024: Progressed Through Pirates' Farm System

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

January 28, 2025: Cover Athlete for 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. Skenes is the first pitcher, excluding Shohei Ohtani, to be featured on an MLB The Show cover.

March 27, 2025: Opening Day Starting Pitcher

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

April 26, 2025: Season-High Strikeouts

On April 26, 2025, Paul Skenes hurled 6+1⁄3 scoreless innings and recorded a season-high with nine strikeouts in the Pirates’ 3–0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2025: Second All-Star Game and Cy Young Award

In 2025, Paul Skenes was named to his second All-Star Game. He also won the NL Cy Young Award in 2025, becoming the first player to win those awards in consecutive seasons since Dwight Gooden did it in the 1984 and 1985 seasons.

2025: All-Star Selection and Pitcher of the Month

In 2025, Paul Skenes was named to the All-Star Game roster for the second consecutive year and was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for July.