When Paul Skenes takes the mound for the National League All-Stars in Arlington, it will not just be the eyes of the baseball world watching the Pittsburgh Pirates’ young pitching ace.
Some stars transcend sports boundaries, and their performances are must-see events from across the spectrum.
Skenes is already one such athlete.
After only 11 major league starts, he is 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA, and at times he looks virtually unhittable.
One longtime fixture on the NBA hardcourt expressed his anticipation of seeing Skenes battle the American League’s best in the Midsummer Classic.
Former NBA head coach George Karl posted on social media that he is “excited to see this new kid from my Pirates on the mound tonight!”
With a heart emoji.
Excited to see this new kid from my Pirates on the mound tonight! 💛🖤 https://t.co/fX8k6EzPlJ
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) July 16, 2024
Karl knows a thing or two about winners, having coached for 27 NBA seasons and winning an astounding 1,175 games.
Skenes has enjoyed early success because of his elite pitches, which include a fastball that regularly tops 100 m.p.h.
But it would be a mistake to think he is just another flamethrower in today’s game which features strong arms almost every night.
Instead, he shows a remarkable ability to command his pitches and work the strike zone.
His breaking pitches look like they are a foot off the plate until they arrive, and many times some of the best hitters in the game simply turn and head back to the dugout after being overmatched by the young phenom.
Karl is hardly alone in his excitement over watching Skenes on stage with the game’s best, and this is a sight that fans will hopefully be treated to for many years to come.
