Pirates fans have had depressingly little to cheer for in recent years, but the ascendency of Paul Skenes provides hope for the future. With his iconic mustache and electric arm, the 22-year-old is in the process of reshaping the image of a city, a franchise and an entire sport. Every five days, PNC Park is rocking and the Pirates are must-see TV. Skenes, alongside social media star and girlfriend Livvy Dunne, is poised to become a breakthrough star who transcends baseball itself.
- Abigail Miskowiec
FanSided Contributor
What we’ll remember about this fandom a decade from now
Skenes represents a changing of the guard among elite pitchers. The likes of Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer are on their way out, and the young guys are on the rise. Skenes' combination of a devastating arsenal, velocity and poise is unparalleled. A decade from now, imagine how good he'll be.
What was the icon or totem for this fandom this year?
Mustaches are back! Not since the great 'staches of the 1970s has there been such great facial hair in MLB, and Skenes is at the center of it all. Fans have picked up on the trend and attend games with fake mustaches. Even Primanti Bros., a Pittsburgh staple, has gotten in on the act, offering free sandwiches to mustachioed customers during the All-Star Game, which Skenes started.