Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes earned a spot on the National League All-Star team for the second consecutive year, providing him a unique chance to share the field with Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw during the All-Star festivities in Atlanta. This opportunity allowed Skenes to engage directly with Kershaw, gaining valuable insights while showcasing his promising start to a major league career.
A Rare Meeting of Generations on the Midsummer Stage
Clayton Kershaw entered the All-Star Game as one of five Los Angeles Dodgers representatives, selected by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred through a special “Legend Pick.” Marking his 11th All-Star appearance, Kershaw was initially hesitant about the selection process but ultimately embraced the honor. For Skenes, this meant valuable time alongside a future Hall of Famer whose career path he aspires to emulate.
Skenes is off to an impressive start, holding a 1.98 ERA across 254 innings along with back-to-back All-Star starting nods. Having their lockers placed adjacent to each other allowed the young right-hander to observe Kershaw up close, even if interactions were limited.
I kept my distance a little bit. Our lockers were next to each other, I didn’t get any time, really, to talk to him [Monday]. But talked to him a little bit today. He’s such a class act.
—Paul Skenes
Skenes was impressed not only with Kershaw’s achievements on the mound but also with the way he balanced family life during the event.
It’s just so impressive, obviously, what he’s done in the game. The human that he is. We were in the waiting room before the red carpet today. He had all his kids. Watching him be a dad, too, it was just cool. It was a cool experience for me.
—Paul Skenes
Experiencing the All-Star Atmosphere Beyond the Diamond
Beyond his interactions with Kershaw, Skenes enjoyed meeting several notable players attending the 2024 Midsummer Classic. One of the highlights was witnessing his teammate Oneil Cruz showcase his power in the Home Run Derby, a moment that marked a significant milestone for both the Pirates slugger and Skenes as a supporter.
I mean, Cruzy in the Home Run Derby. That didn’t happen last year. That was obviously a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, but for me to be able to watch as his teammate, that was pretty cool.
—Paul Skenes
Skenes further noted his excitement in engaging with familiar faces returning from the previous year, such as Matthew Boyd and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, emphasizing the enjoyable social experiences the event offered beyond gameplay.
And then a few different faces from last year. Obviously, Kershaw. Matthew Boyd, guys like that, Yamamoto. They were in there, and being able to interact with them was pretty cool.
—Paul Skenes
During the All-Star Game itself, Skenes contributed a scoreless first inning and recorded two strikeouts, while Kershaw entered as the first reliever for the National League, retiring both batters before leaving to a standing ovation.
Kershaw’s Admiration for Skenes’ Determination
The All-Star gathering also gave Kershaw the chance to evaluate emerging talents shaping Major League Baseball’s future. He expressed high regard for Skenes, describing him as a fiercely competitive pitcher with a disciplined approach and impressive physical capabilities.
Kershaw observed that Skenes’ routine reflects his dedication to long-term excellence and durability in the sport, qualities that bode well for his career longevity.
And so I didn’t have a whole lot to tell him. We talked a little bit about pitch grips and different things like that. But you can tell he wants to be good. He wants to be great. He wants to be good for a long time. So you’ve got to respect that. It’s pretty cool.
—Clayton Kershaw
In addition to Skenes, Kershaw also praised Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal for his competitiveness and skill, recognizing both as important parts of baseball’s next generation of premier pitchers.
The Lasting Impact of All-Star Week Exchanges
Paul Skenes’ All-Star Week interactions represent more than just shared presence on the field; they reflect a passing of knowledge and encouragement between an established icon and a rising star. This blend of mentorship and rivalry within the National League underscores the vitality of the sport’s traditions.
For Skenes, the experience provides an invaluable glimpse into the mindset and habits that have shaped Kershaw’s successful career, reinforcing his own ambitions to achieve sustained excellence. Meanwhile, Kershaw’s affirmation of Skenes’ talent emphasizes the young pitcher’s potential to leave a significant mark on the league.
As both players continue their seasons, fans will be watching closely to see how these moments of connection influence Skenes’ development and how Kershaw maintains his renowned career impact. The All-Star Game remains a unique platform for such impactful exchanges, fueling both present-day competition and future promise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first reached out to Fanatics Collect on January 2. About three weeks later, Topps revealed that an 11-year-old collector found the Skenes card in a hobby box.
Q. How much did Paul Skenes get?
A. Paul Skenes worked his way up through the minor leagues to join MLB in 2024. After receiving a $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates. In 2024, he earned an annual salary of $740,000 before arbitration.