Olivia “Livi” Dunn couldn’t have been happier when she found out that her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes, had been selected to the National League All-Star team after just 10 starts in his major league career.
Following the news Sunday that MLB had released the pitchers, reserves and full rosters for the All-Star Game to be held July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dunn wanted to surprise Skenes with a little celebration with pizza and champagne.
LSU gymnasts posted multiple times on social media about Skenes’ All-Star selection, making him the first player in MLB history to be selected first overall and then named to the All-Star team the following year.
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Livi Dunn watches her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, wearing No. 30 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, make his major league debut during a game against the Chicago Cubs on May 11, 2024, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. (Justin Baer/Getty Images)
First, Dan shared an MLB post announcing that Skenes had been selected for the game, captioning it, “He’s an All-Star!”
She later revealed in a second Instagram Story that she had a surprise planned for Skenes: balloons with gold lettering that read “ALL STAR” on them on her kitchen counter, along with pizza and champagne.
Pirates rookie Paul Skeens makes MLB history by being selected to the MLB All-Star Game
In a TikTok video, Dan showed off a long black dress and revealed the surprise she had prepared for Skenes.
When he got home and saw what Dan had prepared for him, Skenes had a huge smile on his face, and the two embraced in the kitchen, celebrating another monumental moment in what was a great start to Skenes’ baseball career.
The 22-year-old Skenes made his major league debut this season on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs, striking out seven batters in four innings. Since then, Skenes has been electric on the mound, posting a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts and becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes, wearing number 30, pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2024. (Justin Baer/Getty Images)
Skenes throws a triple-digit fastball with a nasty curveball that has tormented major league hitters, just as he did during his collegiate career with the Tigers.
Skenes has already struck out 78 batters in 59.1 innings and walked just 12.
“I definitely don’t expect it,” Skenes said about making the All-Star Game. Pittsburgh Tribune Review“I think it was just a result of just being there and doing the job that was necessary. When we were there, there was definitely an expectation to win a national championship. That was the only thing we wanted to do.”
“But as far as being drafted No. 1 overall, being called up whenever I was called up and now going to the All-Star game, there were no expectations on me. I just kind of did the best I could and let other people make the decision.”
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (No. 30) poses with his girlfriend, Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn, after making his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh. (Charles LeClair – USA Today Sports)
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Skenes and Dunn hope this is just the beginning of many to come, but they are certainly making the most of this moment and, with the All-Star Game coming up next week, it’s one they’ll never forget.
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