Baseball’s newest “it couple,” Paul Skenes and Olivia “Livi” Dunn, hit the red carpet at the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday afternoon, as the Pirates rookie phenom and Louisiana State University gymnastics star made an appearance before a rapt crowd outside Globe Life Stadium in Texas.
The pair stole the show as they walked the red carpet, with Skenes in a white suit with a dark tie and dark dress shoes, while Dan dazzled in a “neutral sparkly” floor-length dress.
Dunn told MLB Network that Skenes picked out his own outfit, to which Skenes added, “Yeah, I can put it on myself.”
The all-star couple walked hand in hand, with Skenes and Dunn stopping to greet fans who lined the red carpet in Arlington afterwards.
Dunn and Skenes also stopped to pose for photos, and Skenes was seen leaning close to the booing Pirates pitcher, placing his left hand on his chest and smiling for the camera.
Skenes, 22, has been a big hit in the majors since his debut on May 11 and is expected to be a starting pitcher on the National League All-Star team.
The two met when the 2023 MLB draft first overall pick from LSU became the first rookie since Hideo Nomo to be named a starting pitcher for his respective league in the MLB All-Star Game.
Skenes said his success in the major leagues this year was due to hard work he put in during the offseason.
“It’s just about working hard in the offseason and working with good coaches and good guys,” Skenes said.
Since being promoted, the Pirates right-hander is 6-0 in 11 starts with a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings.
Skenes has dazzled baseball fans around the world with his blistering fastball. Average 99.1 mph.
His pitching captivated not only the fans but also the 21-year-old Dan himself.
“The speed at which he pitches is beyond my brain’s ability to comprehend,” Dan said on the red carpet. “It’s incredibly fast and it’s a joy to watch. He’s a great baseball player, but even more than that, he’s a great person.”
