Before Paul Skenes rose to prominence as a dominant pitcher, his future looked very different—he was training to become a U.S. Air Force pilot. During his freshman year, while at the Air Force Academy, Skenes experienced a moment that would reshape his ambitions. Riding in the backseat of an F-16 jet, his height of 6’6″ caused him to hit his head on the cramped cockpit, revealing a physical limitation he couldn’t ignore.
That incident marked a turning point. Skenes realized that continuing at the Air Force Academy meant postponing any professional baseball aspirations until after graduation and a military service commitment. Motivated by this, he made the difficult decision to transfer to LSU, seeking a clearer path to a baseball career.
From Dual Talent to Dedicated Pitcher
Early in his collegiate career, Skenes showcased his abilities as a two-way player, both pitching and hitting. At Air Force, he was equally known for his slugging as a catcher as for his skill on the mound, earning a 2.73 ERA while also showcasing power at the plate. His success in both roles earned him the 2022 John Olerud Award, which honors the nation’s top two-way player in college baseball.
Initially, coaches focused more on his hitting prowess, even considering him for the leadoff spot to maximize his at-bats. However, everything shifted during a fall scrimmage when Skenes took the mound and threw a 94 mph fastball, catching everyone’s attention. This performance quickly elevated his pitching status, and he began to split time between starting games as a catcher and closing as a pitcher.
Transformation and Dominance at LSU
After transferring to LSU, Skenes devoted himself entirely to pitching. This focus paid off spectacularly. With a fastball that regularly reached 100 mph and a calm, focused mindset, he became a cornerstone of LSU’s pitching staff. His presence was instrumental in leading the Tigers to the 2023 national championship, showcasing his ability to perform under intense pressure.
MLB Pipeline described Skenes as
“the most MLB-ready college pitcher in years,”
a testament to his skill and potential. His outstanding performance led to his selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major League Baseball draft that summer.
The Impact of a Changed Path on Baseball’s Future Star
Paul Skenes has transformed from an aspiring Air Force pilot into one of baseball’s most coveted prospects. His fastball command and composure have made him the kind of player franchises build around and fans flock to watch. His journey underscores how a single moment—the head injury in an F-16 cockpit—redirected a promising athlete toward an entirely different future, one that is already reshaping professional baseball.