Paul Skenes turns his bobblehead into Pittsburgh’s latest obsession

In Pittsburgh, the buzz isn’t just about 100-mph fastballs — it’s about bobbleheads. Paul Skenes, the young ace of the Pirates’ rotation, has triggered a full-blown craze among fans. And it’s not just because of his stats, although his strikeouts and ERA speak for themselves. It’s because of an unexpected phenomenon: the Paul Skenes bobblehead.

It all started in April, when the Pirates hosted the Cleveland Guardians. As part of a promotional giveaway, 20,000 Paul Skenes bobbleheads were handed out to early attendees. But the crowd exceeded 37,000, leaving thousands empty-handed. Fans lined up around PNC Park, crossed the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and stretched across North Shore. The scene looked more like a pilgrimage than a pregame.

Overwhelmed by demand

The team’s front office, recognizing the frenzy, made a smart move. They ramped up production of the Paul Skenes bobblehead and announced new pickup dates and locations. According to Marca, fans who attended the game and purchased a ticket can claim their bobblehead by emailing the team with their ticket details. Redemption will take place at PNC Park between August 11 and August 28, during designated hours. Fans can also pick up their bobblehead during the home series against the Toronto Blue Jays starting August 18.

We know how unique today’s Paul Skenes Rookie of the Year bobblehead giveaway is and how popular it is for our fans. We don’t want any fan who attended today’s game to not receive one.

Any fan who scanned into today’s game after the first 20,000 bobbleheads were given away… pic.twitter.com/e1lZNIEJBL

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 19, 2025

The process is straightforward. Show the digital coupon in the MLB Ballpark app and head to the designated spots, like the Willie Stargell statue or the Season Ticket Holder Headquarters behind Section 132. For those unable to attend in person, the Pirates are offering phone and email support to help fans secure their Paul Skenes bobblehead.

Paul Skenes wins over the crowd

But beyond the bobblehead, what’s happening in Pittsburgh is a deeper emotional connection with Paul Skenes. The pitcher, selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, has proven to be far more than just a promising rookie. His presence on the mound has reignited hope in a fanbase that’s been waiting years for a new golden era. Even his rookie card recently sold for over a million dollars, underscoring his impact beyond the diamond.

This Paul Skenes bobblehead craze isn’t just about marketing. It’s a testament to how a player can become a symbol — a tangible memory. And the Pirates know it. They’re making the most of the spotlight shining on Paul Skenes, who also happens to be dating Olivia Dunne, adding another layer of celebrity to his rising star.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Paul Skenes (@paulskenes)