Livvy Dunne dresses as Paul Skenes, throws pitch at Fanatics Fest

As Paul Skenes embarked on his MLB rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Livvy Dunne was by his side. The LSU power couple has become a staple around Pirates games this year as Skenes dominates his first season in the majors and started the All-Star Game last month.

Saturday, Dunne turned the tables. She donned a Pirates uniform – with Skenes’ name and No. 30 on the back – along with a mustache during Fanatics Fest and tried her hand at throwing one of his trademark 100mph fastballs.

After Dunne threw the pitch, she then broke into a tumble. That allowed her to throw in some gymnastics style to “Skenes'” throwing motion.

Velocity is down but tumbling is way up when @livvydunne becomes @Paul_Skenes. #FanaticsFest pic.twitter.com/2f9ts1vkwY

— Fanatics (@Fanatics) August 17, 2024

Livvy Dunne is one of the most visible athletes in college athletics and was a key part of LSU’s run to a national championship this past gymnastics season. She has also become a face of the NIL era with 13.2 million social media followers and an On3 NIL Valuation of $3.9 million – second only to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.

She’s also coming back for one final season at LSU. Dunne had a decision to make after the national title this past season, but will ultimately return for one more go-round.

“Dear LSU, these past four years have changed my life,” Dunne said. “There’s something about putting on a Purple and Gold leotard. There’s something about competing in front of 13,000 screaming Tiger fans. There’s something about being pushed by your coaches to be your very best. And there’s something about being part of a team that made school history.

“No matter how many opportunities come my way off the mat, there’s just something about LSU. And that’s why I’m here to say: I’m not Dunne yet.”

In the meantime, she’s spending time with Skenes in Pittsburgh as he dominates his first season in the big leagues. So far, it’s been exciting.

Skenes has been red-hot since flying through the Pirates’ minor-league system. In 16 appearances this season, he has a 7-2 record to go with a 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts across 98 innings of work. He made his most recent start Friday night against the Seattle Mariners, striking out six hitters across six innings of two-run ball to pick up his seventh win of the season.