PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – How serious is Paul Skenes about improving always and keeping focus? After winning the National League Rookie of the Year, Skenes detailed his post-award celebration.
“Going to sleep early and getting back to work tomorrow,” Skenes said on a Zoom call with Pittsburgh reporters on Monday night.
Skenes said it is an honor and a product of the work he put in this season to become the second Pirate to win the award. He said for the most part he was able to compartmentalize moments when awards or honors crossed his mind during the season. The 6’6” righty was able to push it out of his head and get back to work and execute. Skenes also hopes what he learned this year will be a foundation for years to come.
The 22-year-old said he doesn’t have social media and wasn’t aware of expectations or what people were saying about the 2024 season. He said the goal is drowning out as much of the noise that he can and sticking to his process and then executing. If he does that, he thinks stats will take care of themselves.
Owe it them to win
What stood out about what Skenes said Monday was the experience going to Steelers-Ravens game Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. He said the goal is to be part of a group that transcends their sports or team to Pittsburgh fans.
“To be able to have a city unity around people and teams, that was probably the coolest thing about going to the Steelers game was seeing that and seeing how they unite around,” Skenes said. “I saw it all year with how they treated us. Seeing how they treated other teams was really cool too. I think that is something that I think is going to be huge in creating an identity with our team going forward.”
“Identifying with the city that we are in because it’s an awesome city and we owe it to them to go out and win. So, really fired up about the opportunity for next year.”
Top moments
“The All-Star game is probably at the top of the list, and I think finishing the year on a high note,” Skenes said. “To be honest, that was probably, not the most nervous I’ve been, but the most I’ve felt the nerves was pitching in that last game of the year, because I knew it was over after, which isn’t a great feeling to be honest.
“It was really good to be able to finish the year on a high note. And then, I think probably going out for the ninth [inning] against the Cardinals. I know we lost that game, but that’s kinda what it looks like going forward, in terms of the fans, the energy within the dugout and that kinda thing — That’s what winning baseball looks like. Gives me something to look forward to next year and beyond.”