The MLB universe reacted with shock and delight as it was announced that Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes will start next week’s All-Star Game.
So often, professional sports leagues misguidedly forego opportunities to market themselves and their biggest stars to a much larger audience.
But this time, the Midsummer Classic will feature baseball’s most exciting pitcher on the mound to start for the National League.
However, as excited as the fans are, their giddiness is surpassed by the young Skenes.
The pitcher learned he was about to start the All-Star Game while appearing on the Dan Patrick Show.
Live on the air, he expressed his heartfelt emotion at being selected for such an honor as an MLB rookie.
Patrick fielded a call from NL All-Star manager Torey Lovullo informing the pundit and pitcher of the news, and the raw emotion was inspiring.
Lovullo called it an “unbelievable honor” as applause erupted from the set of the show.
Skenes noticeably struggled to find words to relay his excitement, telling Patrick, “That’s cool, that’s really cool.”
The Pirate noted that he believed his parents were watching his interview on the show and that he would call them when it concluded.
Skenes predicted his excitement level would increase as the game got closer.
The notice came just a day after Skenes put together seven shutout innings against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, equaling his career high with 11 strikeouts.
He gets the nod after only 11 major league starts, but Skenes has earned the recognition.
All he’s done is post a 6-0 record with a sterling 1.90 ERA, and many times he looked virtually unhittable.
