Dodgers fans are legendary for their passion, loyalty, and sheer presence. From the iconic “Let’s go Dodgers!” chants echoing through Chavez Ravine to the sea of blue flooding the stands even on the road, they show up strong. The fan base is also incredibly diverse, reflecting the heart of Los Angeles. So, this energy brings a unique buzz to every game. Undoubtedly, the passion of the Dodgers fans is undeniable. But how will it feel when a star rookie from a rival team downplays them? Paul Skenes reportedly has done the same!

While it is always recommended to take the rumors with a pinch of salt, news like this surely deserves more attention. As per a post of Fax Sports: MLB, “Paul Skenes isn’t intimidated by Dodger Stadium. It’s hard to take it seriously when half the fans are influencers who don’t know who’s pitching.”

Well, that’s a huge statement from a rival pitcher and insulting as well, until you recheck the name of the source! Yes, read the above section again. It says “Fax Sports“, resembling a famous sports media house. This is a parody account that satirizes baseball news and culture with a humorous twist. So, you might have guessed by now that the post regarding Skenes is fabricated and a comic relief.

While the Pirates are set to start their series against the Dodgers today, it’s purely nostalgia for Skenes. The 22-year-old right-hander, born and raised in Orange County, returns home in a powerful convergence of memory and ambition. Once a devoted fan cheering on his beloved Angels, Paul Skenes now takes the mound for the Pirates — not just to compete, but to live out a dream forged in childhood. A homecoming for Skenes!

Indeed, Skenes has not commented on anything about the Dodgers fans, but he did share his opinion regarding the Pirates. Skenes has acknowledged that the intense energy and passion of Pirates fans, while well-intentioned, can sometimes create a pressure-filled atmosphere for his team. In contrast, he’s spoken fondly of the quieter, more focused energy of the minor leagues. A setting where he felt more at ease to grow and refine his game.

So, how will he react seeing the loud cheers from the Dodgers fans burning all the decibel levels?

Skenes is the next star in the making

As fast as Skenes throws a baseball — last summer, he averaged a half-mile per hour faster than any starter in the sport’s century-and-a-half history — he thinks slowly, deliberately. There are things he wants to do, real and substantive. While his fastballs consistently sit 98–100 mph with late life up in the zone, Skenes craves silence. This is not to escape the game, but to understand it, and himself, more deeply. In stillness, he finds clarity about how to extract the most from his golden right arm and about the kind of person he is becoming. Silence, something Skenes will not have in the Dodgers stadium. In this season, the Pirates pitcher has a 2-2 record with 2.89 ERA, and a WHIP of 0.80.

Now, talk about Skenes’ 2024, he didn’t just meet expectations, he shattered them. Pitching to an 11-3 record with a sparkling 1.96 ERA, he racked up 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. This sets a new franchise record for rookie punchouts. His dominance earned him the NL Rookie of the Year award. Additionally, a starting nod in the All-Star Game and a spot on the prestigious All-MLB First Team. From opening day to October, Skenes emerged not just as a future ace but as a cornerstone of the Pirates’ resurgence.

Hence, the Dodgers are ready to welcome Paul Skenes — not just as an opponent, but as the next face of MLB! It’s time to witness the rookie phenom step onto baseball’s biggest stage.

Are you excited to witness the collision of a storied franchise facing the sport’s most electrifying new arm?