Ben McDonald on Paul Skenes breaking his strikeout record: 'I had totally forgotten it was an SEC record'

LSU pitcher Paul Skenes captivated college baseball this year as he set the SEC strikeout record with his 203rd strikeout Thursday night. The mark was previously held by fellow Tiger Ben McDonald, who had 202 strikeouts in 1989 as he led the Tigers to the College World Series.

McDonald’s record stood for 34 years — even if he didn’t entirely realize it.

“When records are set, you don’t think about setting them at the time. And then, 34 years go by, and it’s still there,” McDonald joked on SiriusXM College on Friday. “I’ll be honest with you, I knew it was an LSU record. But I had totally forgotten it was an SEC record until Paul Skenes started striking out guys this year. I saw somebody write it.”

Although he’s now No. 2 on the SEC’s all-time strikeout list, McDonald takes solace in the fact that a fellow LSU Tiger broke his record. What makes it even better for him is the type of person Skenes is. An Air Force transfer, he has said plans to go back into the service in some way after his time at LSU is over.

That dedication to serving his country stands out to McDonald. It also speaks to the Skenes’ character, which is another reason McDonald is happy with who broke his record.

“What makes it easier for me is it’s an LSU guy that’s doing it,” said McDonald, who’s now the TV color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles. “It stays in the family. … I don’t know if we’re going to see another Paul Skenes. It held for 34 years. It may be another 34 years or so before that record’s even approached again. I’m happy for Paul.

“Look, if it had to go down, I’m glad it went down A, to an LSU kid, B, to a kid like Paul Skenes, who — it’s almost too good to be real, if you will. It’s a military dude that respects the game, that respects his country, that appreciates the red, white and blue. Says he’s going to go back to the Air Force when his baseball career is over. He wants to serve in some capacity. He’s just a first-class, top-notch dude. And all those things make it a lot easier to swallow.”

Skenes will likely have a chance to extend his record this weekend when LSU faces Florida in the College World Series championship series. Game 1 is Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, and Game 2 will follow on Sunday. Game 3 will await on Monday, if necessary.