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In a thrilling blend of sports and celebrity, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season opener was not just about baseball; it was also a showcase of support from the gymnastics world. Paul Skenes, the Pirates’ phenom pitcher and the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, made his debut as the Opening Day starter against the Miami Marlins.
Among the crowd were two gymnastics stars: Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and Olympic champion Aly Raisman, both of whom brought their own flair to the event.
Star-studded support in the stands
As Skenes took to the mound, he was cheered on by Dunne, who is not only an LSU gymnastics standout but also a prominent social media influencer.
Sporting a black Pirates cap, she shared her excitement on Instagram, posting selfies with Raisman and Xandra Pohl, a rising DJ and 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie. The trio’s camaraderie was evident, with Dunne captioning one of her posts, “Big Paul fans,” highlighting their support for Skenes.
Raisman, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has a history with Dunne that goes beyond this game. Their friendship has blossomed over the years, with previous social media interactions showcasing their bond. In a nostalgic post from 2024, Dunne reminisced about meeting Raisman as a young girl after the 2012 Olympics, emphasizing the impact of their shared experiences in gymnastics.
Paul Skenes makes history
On the field, Skenes delivered an impressive performance, pitching 5 ⅓ innings, striking out seven batters, and allowing only two runs on three hits. Despite his strong showing, he received a no-decision, but his status as the fastest No.
1 overall pick to start on Opening Day is a testament to his talent and potential. The game ended in a narrow 5-4 loss for the Pirates, but the atmosphere was electric, fueled by the presence of Dunne and Raisman.
The intersection of sports and social media
This event highlights the growing intersection of sports and social media, particularly among younger audiences. Athletes like Dunne and Skenes are not just competitors; they are influencers shaping the narrative around their sports. Their ability to connect with fans through platforms like Instagram adds a new layer of engagement, making sports more accessible and relatable to Gen-Z and young adults.
As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Skenes’ performance, while also following the lives of Dunne and Raisman. Their support for each other exemplifies the camaraderie that exists within the sports community, transcending the boundaries of their respective disciplines.
