Armed Forces Weekend has a particularly special meaning for Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect.
Before deciding to follow his baseball dreams at LSU, Skenes was on a path toward a military career, attending the United States Air Force Academy. He also has two uncles who served in the Navy, and one who is currently serving in the Coast Guard.
More on Skenes:
• Skenes fans first 7, allows zero hits in second start
• 11 ways Skenes' stellar start has put him in rare air
• Skenes' cleats pay homage to armed forces
• After 1st 2 MLB starts, here's what Cubs have to say about Skenes
• Skenes strikes out 7, tops 100 mph 17 times in MLB debut
• 3 takeaways about Skenes' stuff from his debut
• Splinker? Skenes' hybrid pitch may be most electric
• Get your own Paul Skenes Pirates jersey
• Highlights
• Rankings: MLB No. 2 | Pirates No. 1 | RHP No. 1
With the Pirates set to celebrate all branches of the United States military this weekend, Skenes is paying homage to his background with a pair of custom military-themed cleats from Nike.
Skenes made his much-anticipated MLB debut on May 11 at home against the Cubs, striking out seven batters over four-plus innings of work and hitting 100 mph 17 times. He one-upped himself on Friday, striking out 11 Cubs over six no-hit innings to record the first victory of his career.