Watch unseen footage from Skenes' debut

November 12th, 2024

PITTSBURGH -- May 11, 2024 -- ’ Major League debut -- could go down as one of the most important days for the Pirates in the 21st century. Now, we can take a deeper look into what that day at the ballpark was like for the Pirates’ prize pitcher.

The team released a video on X on Tuesday that documented Skenes’ first two days with the Pirates. From arriving at the ballpark, meeting with manager Derek Shelton and his debut patch being sewn onto his jersey, from his warmup, first strikeout and postgame interviews and photos with his family, the 12-minute video captures his debut, on and off the field.

The Pirates went on to win his debut, 10-9, vs. the Cubs, with Skenes striking out seven over four innings.

This comes one day after it was announced that Skenes is a finalist for the Baseball Writer’s Association of America’s Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award and Cy Young Award. Skenes went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA over 23 starts in his rookie season.