Key facts
- Paul Skenes visited an Ingomar Little League field on Monday.
- He played catch and signed autographs for the young players.
- The visit occurred during the Pittsburgh Pirates' four-game losing streak.
- Skenes' ERA has increased to 4.50 since May 17.
- He pitched six innings against the Dodgers, allowing two runs and striking out seven.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes visited a local Little League field on an off-day, seeking a simpler connection to the game amidst a challenging stretch in his professional career. The visit, shared on social media, offered Skenes a reminder of his love for baseball.
Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, was driving through the northern Pittsburgh suburbs when he noticed a baseball field. He spent two hours at the Ingomar Little League field, playing catch and signing autographs for young players, attempting to remain incognito despite his prominent stature.
The impromptu visit went viral after being shared on TikTok and Instagram. Skenes acknowledged the attention that comes with his fame, joking about needing a disguise. He drew a parallel to his own childhood, recalling a similar experience with Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson.
This visit occurred as the Pirates are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, including a significant loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Skenes himself is experiencing a difficult period, remaining winless over his last five starts, with his ERA since May 17 rising to 4.50. Despite these challenges, Skenes pitched six innings against the Dodgers, limiting them to two runs and striking out seven, and managed to retire Shohei Ohtani all three times he faced him.
Skenes emphasized that the experience at the Little League field reminded him that baseball is a game, and it's important to remember the love for it, especially during tough times. He noted that the game feels different on a sandlot field, away from the pressures of professional play, with no ads or fans, just playing for the love of it. He also commented on his fastball velocity, which has slightly decreased from his rookie year but looked sharper in his recent outing.