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No. 1 overall MLB pick Paul Skenes is dominant on the diamond, but according to a former coach, his skills as a boxer are lacking. Ryan Forrest spent two seasons with the pitcher at Air Force, and he had a comical story to tell of his superstar in the ring.
Most remember Skenes from his amazing season at LSU. With the Tigers, he went 12-2 while striking out an SEC-record 209 batters. But before he was winning national titles in Baton Rouge, he was pitching in Colorado Springs.
As a Falcon, the righty showcased his talents in a number of different ways. As a freshman he thrived coming out of the bullpen, notching 11 saves. He shifted into a starting role as a sophomore and posted a 10-3 record over 15 starts.
But while he was stellar on the mound, he was struggling in the classroom.
More specifically, a boxing class that Air Force freshmen are required to take.
Coach Forrest opened up about his pitcher’s boxing experience with Stephen Schoch of D1 Baseball.
Paul Skenes was drafted no. 1 overall yesterday. While I was in Omaha I met his Air Force pitching coach Ryan Forrest and asked him if there was anything Paul can’t do. I love his answer pic.twitter.com/lL0gu07qZl
— Stephen Schoch (@bigdonkey47) July 10, 2023
“There’s not a lot that Paul is bad at except boxing class,” Forrest said. “Our freshman are required to take boxing during their first year, and I saw him absolutely get his butt beat in the boxing ring to the point where the boxing coach actually called us saying, ‘Hey, we’re worried about this kid, Skenes.'”
Forrest continued to say, “He was so worried about just keeping the gloves up and not getting hit in the face. It was hilarious, actually… It was the first time I think he’s ever experienced failure.”
Luckily, Paul Skenes’ future success won’t depend on his being a competent boxer. He was recently selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates with many already tabbing him as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg.
We’ll see if he can quickly move through the farm system and make an impact for the Buccos.