During the 2025 MLB All-Star Game red carpet in Atlanta, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes shared an anecdote that not only brought smiles to those present, but also to his girlfriend, former Olympic gymnast Olivia Dunne.
The moment went viral when Skenes humorously recalled how Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani gave him an unforgettable “welcome” to professional baseball.
A “humiliating” moment that became endearing
Skenes, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and had an outstanding rookie season in 2024, was candid about his experience facing Ohtani
I gave up a home run to Shohei Ohtani, I’m not the first one to do it. But it was a different moment.
Olivia Dunne’s reaction, who accompanied him on the red carpet for the second year in a row, was immediate: a knowing smile that caught the attention of the media and fans. The chemistry between the two was evident, and the moment became one of the most talked about at the event.
Paul Skenes from LSU to MLB stardom
Paul Skenes has had a meteoric rise since his days at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he also met Dunne. In his rookie season with the Pirates, he posted an impressive 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 11-3 record in 23 starts. These numbers led him to win the National League Rookie of the Year award and be a finalist for the Cy Young.
Despite his dominance on the mound, Skenes does not forget the moments that made him grow, such as that showdown with Ohtani. His humility and sense of humor in recalling it have made him one of the fans’ favorite players.
Olivia Dunne, her biggest supporter
Olivia Dunne, who announced her retirement from gymnastics earlier this year, has been more present than ever in Skenes‘ public life. On the red carpet, she was seen helping him with his shoes, a gesture she herself shared on social media with the phrase: “Big P to the rescue”.
The couple has been one of the most popular in the world of American sports, and their joint presence at events such as the All-Star Game reinforces their image as one of the “power couples” of the moment.
Shohei Ohtani: the rival everyone respects
The involuntary protagonist of the anecdote, Shohei Ohtani, remains a dominant figure in MLB. His ability to impact both as a pitcher and as a hitter has made him a living legend. That Skenes remembers his first home run at the hands of Ohtani is not a shame, but a symbol of respect for one of the best players in the world.
A bright future for Skenes
In the 2025 All-Star Game, Skenes again shone by pitching a scoreless inning, cementing his place as one of the league’s top young pitchers. His ability to combine talent, charisma and humility makes him a future face of MLB.
Paul Skenes’ story and his professional “baptism” at the hands of Shohei Ohtani not only shows the human side of the sport, but also how difficult moments can become endearing memories. And if they manage to put a smile on Olivia Dunne’s face, so much the better.
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