Livvy Dunne recently showed her support for boyfriend and Major League Baseball standout Paul Skenes by purchasing a rare baseball card of his at Fanatics Fest. The event, held from June 20 to 22 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, brought together sports fans and collectors from various leagues, including MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. Dunne’s purchase of the collectible card highlighted her personal connection and growing recognition of Skenes’ rising profile in baseball.
Highlighting the Rare Baseball Card Acquisition
At the festival, Dunne appeared in full Pittsburgh Pirates attire to honor Skenes and interacted with fans while making a notable purchase. She acquired a rare baseball card featuring Skenes, crafted in an anime style reminiscent of the 1955 Bowman cards. This unique item is valued between $500 and $600, reflecting Skenes’ surging popularity among sports memorabilia collectors. The purchase was made through Steel City Collectibles, a prominent vendor at the fest, with representatives Brian and Scott overseeing the transaction.
Paul Skenes’ Rising Status Among Baseball Collectibles
Skenes has quickly become a significant figure in baseball collectibles, standing alongside premier athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. His remarkable career milestones have fueled demand for memorabilia tied to his name. One extraordinary example is a one-of-a-kind rookie patch autograph card, which sold for a staggering $1.1 million. The card was found by an 11-year-old who donated the proceeds to victims of local fires. This card now proudly resides at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh, symbolizing both Skenes’ athletic accomplishments and his role within the community.
The Personal and Athletic Journey Shared by Dunne and Skenes
The relationship between Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes traces back to their college days at LSU, where their bond strengthened alongside their athletic pursuits. Dunne played a critical role in LSU’s success, helping the gymnastics team secure its first National Title in the 2023-24 season with a career-high floor exercise score of 9.900. Meanwhile, Skenes had an outstanding baseball season at LSU, compiling a 13-2 record with a 1.69 ERA. His performance earned him the top overall selection in the 2023 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, accompanied by a record $9.2 million signing bonus.
Paul Skenes’ MLB Breakthrough and Continuing Excellence
Skenes made his Major League Baseball debut on May 11, 2024, and quickly established himself as a dominant pitcher. His rookie season ended with an impressive 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts, distinguishing him as one of the league’s most promising talents. He was selected as the National League starter for the All-Star Game, becoming the first rookie to earn this honor since Hideo Nomo in 1995. Skenes further solidified his standing by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award and earning a place on the All-MLB First Team, positioning him as a strong contender for the Cy Young Award. In the current season, he has maintained a 4-6 record with a 1.85 ERA and a .175 opposing batting average, leading several key pitching categories.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Both Athletes
Livvy Dunne’s commitment to Paul Skenes highlights the close personal ties that grow within the professional sports world. As both continue on their athletic paths, their shared journey promises continued achievement and mutual support. Dunne balances her post-gymnastics career while cheering on Skenes’ progress, embodying a partnership grounded in dedication and passion. Fans and observers alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented couple as they advance in their respective sports at the highest levels.
“The transaction, completed with the enthusiastic representatives Brian and Scott, marks a special moment in Dunne’s support for Skenes, symbolizing both her personal affection and recognition of his burgeoning career.”
—Source