MLB star Paul Skenes’s parents, Craig and Karen, are over the moon as they witness their son shine against the Rays, pitching seven dominant innings with six strikeouts and no walks, leading the Pirates to victory.
Paul Skenes is making waves in baseball, and his parents, Craig and Karen Skenes, are behind his success.
They’ve been there for him since he was a little kid, cheering him on as he grew into the talented pitcher he is today.
Craig and Karen noticed Paul’s love for baseball early on. By the time he was 7, they could see he was different.
Paul always had a ball in his hands and would even put on a catcher’s mask to mimic players he saw on TV.
“It’s all I’ve ever done, really,” Paul once said about baseball. While he tried recreational soccer for a bit, his heart was always set on the diamond.
Craig Skenes works for a pharmaceutical company; he’s been in this field for years and even played professional basketball in the past.
Karen, on the other hand, is a stay-at-home mom who has focused on raising Paul and his two sisters, Lauren and Kristen.
Paul Skenes Credits His Parents for His Successful Career!
When Paul decided to switch from catching to pitching full-time, they stood by him.
They knew it wasn’t easy for him to give up catching, for he loved being in control of the game, but they saw his potential as a pitcher.
Paul’s journey took him from the Air Force Academy to Louisiana State University (LSU).
From his early days swinging a bat to his current dominance, Craig and Karen have been his biggest supporters.
His parents were there for the big moments, like when he won the Dick Howser Trophy in 2023, an award for the best college baseball player.
In interviews, Paul has been open about how much his parents gave up for him.
During a 2023 chat after winning the Dick Howser Trophy, he said:
All I can think about is the people that I’ve had around me making me better. Obviously, the support I had from my parents and my family.
Another time, while reflecting on his journey from the Air Force Academy to professional baseball, Paul acknowledged the emotional sacrifices his parents made.
Deciding to leave the Academy and transfer to LSU was tough, and in a 2024 interview, he said:
My parents were always there, supporting me through that decision. They gave up a lot time, energy, everything, so I could chase this dream.
He’s talked about how his mother Karen would drive him to early morning practices and how his father Craig would spend weekends helping him train, even with their own busy lives.
Likewise, in a 2023 interview with LSU media, he said, “My mom and dad sacrificed so much to get me here. They always told me to go for it, and I wouldn’t be where I am without that.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Paul Skenes is in a relationship with Livvy Dunne. They began dating in mid-2023 while they were both at Louisiana State University. Their relationship became public in August 2023 when Skenes confirmed it during an interview.
- Paul Skenes’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million to $10 million as of 2025.
