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Pirates’ Paul Skenes will receive NL Cy Young Award from special guest
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- Pirates’ Paul Skenes will receive NL Cy Young Award from special guest
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While the Pittsburgh Pirates try to build off a promising start to 2026 and gradually work their way toward their first postseason berth since 2015, it is good to be reminded of the more prosperous times they are chasing. A.J. Burnett , a former All-Star who retired as a member of that last playoff team, will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Rays . Before that, Paul Skenes will receive his 2025 National League Cy Young Award from a franchise great.
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Doug Drabek, who claimed the honor himself in 1990, will be in PNC Park to present the Pirates’ current ace with the best accolade of his incredibly young career. He currently works as a pitching coach for the Triple-A Reno Aces in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization but “received special permission to attend the ceremony,” according to Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports.
Drabek announced Skenes as the Cy Young winner last November from his home office, so it is only fitting that he gives the 23-year-old the prestigious plaque in person. They join Vern Law, who turned 96 years old in March, as the only Pirates hurlers to ever attain the award. Therefore, fans should be ready to witness a special moment.
Since allowing four runs in less than an inning of work versus the New York Mets on Opening Day, Paul Skenes has returned to the excellent form that helped him quickly become the best pitcher in the Senior Circuit. He has lowered his ERA from 67.50 all the way to 4.00 after giving up just three runs on six hits in his last 17 1/3 innings. Besides individual brilliance, the two-time All-Star and 2025 NL Rookie of the Year is hoping to achieve team success.
Doug Drabek knows what it is like to take the mound for Pittsburgh in a high-stakes showdown. Starting in his Cy Young-winning 1990 season, No. 15 helped the Pirates advance to the NL Championship Series in three straight years (has not made it that far since). Although he never got to experience a pennant victory, Drabek competed admirably for the franchise. He threw eight innings of one-run ball but took the loss in a classic Game 7 versus the Atlanta Braves in 1992.
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Skenes would love the opportunity to pitch in such a situation, and Pittsburgh desperately wants it to happen while he is still wearing the Black and Gold.
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