A rare victory was achieved by the Pittsburgh Pirates front office on Saturday when it declared that all fans present at the team’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, not just the first 20,000, would receive a highly sought-after Paul Skenes bobblehead. This announcement was made after throngs of fans flocked to PNC Park.
Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t the kind of W that counts—the Pirates dropped the first game of their three-game series against Cleveland, 10–7, then were shut out 3–0 in the second game.
Even the honor of the bobblehead day didn’t appear to be enough to make Skenes, one of the few bright spots for long-suffering Pittsburgh supporters, feel less devastated by yet another defeat.
Paul Skenes reacts to his bobblehead news
Skenes hardly smiled when asked after the incident what it meant to him that so many people were supporting him. Instead, he acknowledged his flattery for a few seconds and then complained that he couldn’t bring home the victory for all those who came.
He said, “I mean, it’s cool. Wish we would’ve gotten them a win,”
See that terrible response below:
Paul Skenes on the lines for his bobblehead today & a packed PNC park ⬇️
“It’s cool. Wish we would’ve gotten them a win.” pic.twitter.com/Wk4rUnHDgi
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) April 19, 2025
The shortness isn’t meant to imply that the pitcher wasn’t moved by the attendance; rather, it suggests that he was simply annoyed by the loss. He also didn’t seem to be too fond of himself in bobblehead form, but that’s also very Skenes, to be honest. He is a man of stoicism.
