Practice makes perfect.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes adopted an unconventional approach to his pregame preparation before his start against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, and it certainly caught the eye. Skenes, known for his innovative methods, seemed to be channeling an outdoor adventurer, appearing more like he was prepping for a rugged hike than a baseball game.
His unique warmup routine didn’t just attract attention—it worked effectively. On the mound, Skenes delivered a commanding performance, pitching six solid innings where he struck out nine batters and conceded just one earned run. This standout showing contributed significantly to his already impressive early career statistics.
Social media buzzed with reactions to Skenes’ distinct approach to game readiness. Fans were both bemused and amused, with comments ranging from lighthearted endorsements like, “whatever gets my 8 ks big fella,” to playful comparisons, with one fan joking, “Bro looking like a Ghostbuster,” referencing the equipment he wore reminiscent of a proton pack from the iconic film.
RELATED: Olivia Dunne Returns Fire at Fan’s Comment on Romantic Photo With Pirates Ace Paul Skenes
Others drew humorous parallels to their personal experiences, with one fan likening Skenes’ routine to prepping for a long day of college football viewing and sports betting. Another comment humorously linked his warmup to golf, saying, “Same routine I have on the 1st tee box,” while another spectator questioned, “Did the Pirates hire the Cowboys’ strength coach?”, referring to a viral pregame routine from NFL quarterback Dak Prescott.
Beyond the entertainment value, one fan noted the effectiveness of Skenes’ performance, predicting, “His potential is massive we could be watching the GOAT pitcher rn,” in light of his formidable stats—a 2.06 ERA over his first nine starts, with a record of 4-0 and 70 strikeouts in just over 52 innings.
Drafted first overall from LSU in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has lived up to the high expectations.
As a central figure in the Pirates’ ongoing rebuild, he’s quickly establishing himself as the potential ace of their pitching staff for the foreseeable future.
Given the success of his unusual warmup and the resulting performance, Paul Skenes might just set a trend in baseball, where more pitchers adopt his method in hopes of replicating his impressive start.
As it stands, Skenes’ blend of unique preparation and exceptional skill is making waves in the MLB, positioning him as a standout player to watch in the seasons to come.
