Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 22-year-old rookie sensation, is set to make history by becoming the first rookie pitcher to start the MLB All-Star Game this century. However, Skenes’ journey to professional baseball was not his primary dream. Instead, he had always wanted to be an F-16 pilot in the Air Force, which led him to attend the Air Force Academy for his freshman and sophomore years.
Although playing professional baseball was a dream of his, Skenes never considered it his sole goal. He wanted to play college baseball and have a secure career lined up ahead of him, which the Air Force Academy provided. However, after his sophomore year, Skenes was forced to choose between his dreams due to his service obligation.
Skenes ultimately decided to transfer to Louisiana State University, where he won the NCAA championship and became the first pick in the 2023 draft. His coach, Mike Kazlausky, recalled that the Department of Defense struggled to find a solution that would allow Skenes to continue playing professionally after his junior year.
In basic training, Skenes formed strong bonds with his fellow recruits and developed valuable skills such as self-leadership and discipline. Although he acknowledges that the experience was challenging, he credits it with shaping him into the person he is today.
Skenes’ family also has a strong military background, with two uncles serving in the Navy and one in the Coast Guard. Since being promoted to the big leagues, Skenes has been a revelation, boasting an ERA of 1.90 and 89 strikeouts over 66.1 innings pitched. He has become the first pitcher since 1901 to record seven or more strikeouts in at least 10 of his first 11 career appearances. He will be the youngest pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Dwight Gooden, who was 21 in 1986.
