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Paul Skenes Explains Viral Reaction to Being Named Rookie of the Year
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has opened up about his viral reaction to being named National League's 2024 Rookie of the Year. Skenes received the honor back in November alongside his famous girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne. But judging by the pair's reaction, she seemed way more excited than he was.
The 22-year-old was asked about the moment during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week. When presented with the honor, Skenes appeared stone-faced, while Dunne cheered and clapped. He only reluctantly seemed to smile when his girlfriend rubbed his shoulder and made eye contact, then awkwardly put his arm around her an a stilted embrace.
The moment Paul Skenes was named the NL Rookie of the Year 👏 pic.twitter.com/M6gu4I7dnb
— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2024
"It's like your arm's out, it was almost like, I think he's driving," host Seth Meyers joked, to which Skenes admitted, "Yeah, I think people mistook the facial expressions and all that for indifference. I would say it was composure for sure."
Meyers also brought up a TikTok video from last October in which he accompanied Dunne to gymnastics practice, and she rated his form on the various gym equipment. While she gave him an eight out of 10 for his front flip into the foam ball pit, she quickly pivoted with a two out of 10 score for not being able to get out of the ball pit and "getting frustrated."
“The ball pit was genuine frustration," Skenes explained. "I was genuinely pissed off. Those things are like ten feet deep. I’m tall, I’m not that tall. And I’m just trying to throw the balls out, trying to get out. There’s nothing to grab onto!"
You can watch the clip below.