The much-anticipated MLB pitching debut of Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospect, Paul Skenes, is just hours away in Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-6, 235-pounder has only pitched 34 innings in the minors, but his impressive numbers suggest he is ready for the big leagues. Skenes’ every pitch has been analyzed by fans, scouts, and computers, leading up to his debut against the Chicago Cubs.
While Skenes has garnered attention for his debut, past MLB pitchers Bumpus Jones and Bobo Holloman made significant impacts in their debuts with no-hitters. Despite their historic performances, many readers may not be familiar with their names. Bumpus Jones pitched a no-hitter for the Cincinnati Reds 132 years ago, while Bobo Holloman achieved the same feat 71 years ago after working his way up as a journeyman minor-leaguer.
Skenes has been a standout in the baseball world since he was 12 years old, primarily excelling as a catcher and closer in high school. Despite initially being regarded more as an offensive player, Skenes’ talent was undeniable, leading him to play at the Air Force Academy and later transfer to Louisiana State. After signing with the Pirates for $9.2 million as the No. 1 overall draft pick, Skenes has continued to impress with his performance on the mound in the minor leagues.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton expressed confidence in Skenes, stating that he has met all the criteria needed to make his MLB debut. With a 1.85 ERA in 12 starts this year, Skenes has shown his ability to dominate on the field. As he prepares to take the mound against the Cubs, the organization is hopeful for a successful outing from the highly-touted prospect, seeking a win rather than another historic no-hitter.
Looking back at the debuts of Bumpus Jones and Bobo Holloman, both pitchers made headlines with their memorable performances. Jones’ no-hitter against the Pirates in 1892 was a bright spot in his brief MLB career, while Holloman’s no-no for the Browns in 1953 marked a significant moment in baseball history. Despite their limited success in the majors, their no-hit feats still resonate with baseball fans.
In recent years, pitchers like Tyler Gilbert have also made a splash with no-hitters in their MLB debuts. Gilbert’s achievement in 2021 matched the historic performances of Jones and Holloman, solidifying his place in baseball lore. As Skenes prepares to make his own mark on the game, the anticipation and excitement surrounding his debut highlight the enduring appeal of baseball’s storied history and the potential for new stars to emerge on the field.
