Livvy Dunne’s Playful Celebration Steals the Spotlight as Paul Skenes Wins Cy Young

Paul Skenes Makes History: The Cy Young Moment

On a crisp November evening, the Pittsburgh Pirates witnessed a moment destined for their history books. Paul Skenes, a name already echoing through Major League Baseball, was unanimously crowned the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner. It was a crowning achievement for the 23-year-old pitcher, whose season was a masterclass in command and dominance—his 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts over 187.2 innings spoke volumes, even as his win-loss record sat at a modest 10-10 due to inconsistent run support from his teammates.

Skenes’ performance wasn’t just about numbers. It was about presence. Throughout the season, every start seemed to tighten his grip on the league’s hitters. By October, speculation about the award felt almost redundant—everyone knew who deserved it.

When the moment finally arrived, Skenes broke character. Known for his stoic demeanor, he let loose a rare, wide smile, embracing not only the gravity of the moment but the people who made it special—his family, teammates, and, notably, his girlfriend Livvy Dunne.

Livvy Dunne: The Energy Behind the Celebration

Livvy Dunne isn’t just a social media sensation or the most recognizable face from the NIL era—she’s also Skenes’ steadfast supporter. When the Cy Young announcement aired, Dunne was front and center, her energy unmistakable. She played up the drama, feigning surprise in a playful gesture that brought laughter to the room and authenticity to a scene that, for many, felt like destiny fulfilled.

Dunne’s flair for celebration didn’t stop at the televised reaction. Almost immediately, she took to social media to share the details of a private party she’d orchestrated for Skenes and his family. The event was a love letter to baseball itself: hot dogs, the quintessential ballpark food, took center stage, while a massive cake—adorned with images of Skenes and surrounded by Pirates-themed cookies—anchored the festivities. The home was filled with black and gold, echoing the team’s colors and the pride of Pittsburgh fans everywhere.

But perhaps the most endearing touch was her decision to record the family’s reaction as Skenes’ name was announced. The video, later shared by MLB, captured a genuine mix of excitement and relief—a culmination of years of effort, and, in Dunne’s case, a bit of theatrical fun. It’s no wonder the clip quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of views in just hours.

The Significance for Pittsburgh: A Franchise Milestone

Skenes’ Cy Young win isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a momentous occasion for the Pirates franchise. Only two other pitchers in team history, Vernon Law and Doug Drabek, have earned the honor. Drabek’s live announcement of Skenes’ win added a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting generations of Pirates aces and hinting at a brighter future for the team.

Despite the Pirates’ ongoing struggles to contend for championships, Skenes’ presence—and the energy surrounding him—suggests a new era may be on the horizon. His ability to anchor the rotation with both performance and poise gives fans something tangible to believe in. As the award week unfolded, the Pirates’ faithful found themselves dreaming again, buoyed by a sense of possibility.

Baseball’s Power Couple: Dunne and Skenes in the Spotlight

The partnership between Skenes and Dunne has evolved beyond the diamond. Their relationship has become a narrative in itself, blending athletic achievement with the vibrant culture of modern sports stardom. Dunne, with her massive social media following and entrepreneurial spirit, brings a unique spotlight to the Pirates—one that amplifies Skenes’ achievements and draws new eyes to the team.

Her playful dramatics during the Cy Young celebration—pretending to be shocked, recording family reactions, and crafting a party that felt both authentic and extravagant—demonstrate how today’s sports stories are shaped by more than just the action on the field. They are woven from moments of connection, celebration, and, yes, a little bit of showmanship.

While some traditionalists may raise an eyebrow at the blending of personal and professional, the results speak for themselves. The story of Skenes’ win and Dunne’s celebration resonated far beyond Pittsburgh, reaching fans across the country and, for a fleeting moment, making the Pirates the center of the baseball universe.

The Broader MLB Landscape: Dominance and Drama

Skenes’ achievement comes at a time when pitching excellence is drawing renewed attention across both leagues. In the American League, Tarik Skubal claimed his second consecutive Cy Young, cementing his own legacy and inviting comparisons with Skenes. Together, these young aces signal a new generation of dominance—one defined not just by velocity and command, but by charisma and connection with fans.

Yet, as the award ceremony made clear, the Cy Young is more than a statistical prize. It’s a recognition of narrative—of overcoming expectations, of forging bonds both on and off the field. The celebration surrounding Skenes’ win, and Dunne’s role within it, is a testament to how baseball continues to evolve, embracing personality and emotion alongside tradition.

The Pirates may not be favorites for a championship in the near future, but moments like these give the franchise—and its fans—something to hold onto. In a sport where hope is often measured by wins and losses, the joy of a Cy Young celebration, amplified by Dunne’s infectious energy, reminds everyone why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

Livvy Dunne’s playful celebration of Paul Skenes’ Cy Young victory marks a turning point not just for the Pirates, but for how sports stories are told—showing that the heart of the game beats strongest in its moments of joy, connection, and communal pride.