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Paul Skenes has made quite the name for himself on the mound as a rising star for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it turns out he's also a standout when it comes to gift-giving. His recent season with the Pirates saw him dominate opposing batters with a blazing fastball, striking out hitters at will and solidifying his place among the best rookies in baseball. But as the dust settled on his stellar rookie campaign, Skenes shifted his focus to something a little more personal - celebrating his girlfriend Livvy Dunne's 22nd birthday in a unique and memorable way.
Skenes and Dunne have become quite the power couple, with the LSU gymnast making waves in the sports world for her incredible performances and massive social media following. While both athletes have enjoyed their own successes in their respective sports, Skenes found a creative way to highlight their relationship outside of their public personas. In the midst of the birthday festivities, Skenes decided to surprise Dunne with a customized Topps baseball card that featured both her and their beloved dog, Roux.
Dunne, who took to Snapchat to share her excitement, showcased the special card for her followers, captioning it "ELITE GIFT." The trading card wasn't just any ordinary memento - it included personal stats not only about Dunne but also about Roux, their English Retriever. From Roux's birthdate to his favorite human (Liv, of course), the card was packed with fun details that brought a smile to Dunne's face.
The back of the card highlighted Roux's stats in a playful way, listing his birthday as June 29, 2023, his breed as an English Retriever, and his favorite food as steak. It's not every day you see a baseball card feature a dog, but Skenes made sure to capture the essence of the special bond between the three. It was a thoughtful gesture that struck the perfect balance between humor and affection.
As Skenes shared his own celebration of Dunne's birthday on Instagram, the couple's fans got a closer look at their relationship. The Pirates pitcher posted a series of photos, captioning the post, "Happy birthday Liv!" The intimate snapshots gave a glimpse into their life off the field, showcasing the love and joy they share.
Paul Skenes wraps historic rookie season with Yankees finale, ed by Livvy Dunne
The birthday surprise came just days after Skenes wrapped up a historic rookie season with the Pirates. His performance on the mound this year was nothing short of remarkable. In 133 innings pitched, he struck out 170 batters and posted a sparkling 1.96 ERA, earning him a starting spot in the All-Star Game and placing him among the frontrunners for National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Dunne has been one of Skenes' biggest ers throughout the season, often sharing highlights and behind-the-scenes moments of his journey in the majors. In a recent Instagram post, she reflected on Skenes' rookie season, captioning it, "My little rookie," with a series of photos from their time together at ballparks around the country.
Skenes' final game of the season took place at the iconic Yankee Stadium, where he pitched two scoreless innings. Dunne, watching from the stands, cheered him on as he finished the season on a high note. "Definitely glad to be able to finish the season and cool to do it here, cool to do it against this lineup," Skenes said, reflecting on the experience. "It's one of those places you dream of pitching."
While the couple is known for their athletic accomplishments, moments like this trading card birthday surprise show a different side of their relationship - one that's filled with humor, affection, and a strong connection beyond the stadium lights. As they both continue to rise in their respective sports, it's clear that Skenes and Dunne are building something special both on and off the field.