"Have fun, enjoy the game." - Derek Shelton reflects on advice to Paul Skenes prior to All-Star debut.

During an interview for MLB Network Radio, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton talked about the advice he offered rookie Paul Skenes before his All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday. The pitching sensation showcased his amazing talent with a great first inning, facing Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge.

"I told him to have fun. Enjoy the game itself. I’m really proud of him because he stayed for all 9 innings." - Derek Shelton

Skenes started for the National League and threw a scoreless first inning. The 22-year-old phenom maintained his composure under the spotlight, showing off his maturity and skills after a couple of months in the MLB. Skenes’ fastball peaked at an impressive 100.1 mph.

Shelton’s advice might have resonated with Skenes. According to MLB reports, some players expressed their thoughts on the pitcher’s outing:

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"It was pretty electric, but for me, the thing that sticks out is just the command and the presence." - Trea Turner

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Paul Skenes has seen a lot of success in just a short time.

Paul Skenes’ All-Star Game appearance was beyond a showcase of his talent; it was a celebration of his baseball journey. From winning a National Championship at LSU to being the first overall pick in the MLB draft, and now pitching in the All-Star Game, Skenes’ year has been extraordinary. His smooth transition into the big leagues and his ability to stand tall against the best talent in the world are all signs of a bright future.

The Pittsburgh Pirates manager’s advice seemed to have paid off in the end, as Skenes’ performance and composure, left a lasting impression. As the young pitcher continues to develop, this All-Star debut could become a memorable chapter in what promises to be a great career.

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