Paul Skenes becomes 5th rookie all-star starting pitcher; who were the first 4?

On Friday, MLB rookie Paul Skenes was surprised by NL All-Star manager Torey Lovullo, Lovullo was there to inform the 22-year-old that he had been chosen to start next Tuesday's All-Star Game, making him the fifth rookie in history to start the midsummer classic.

Undefeated in 11 starts this season, the 6-foot-6 right-hander will enter the break with a 6-0 record to coincide with his 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 66 innings. Just months into his MLB career, Skenes is already taking the league by storm.

"Your NL #AllStarGame starting pitcher: Paul Skenes. As announced on the @DPShow, the @Pirates rookie gets the nod in his first All-Star Game!" - MLB

By accomplishing the feat, the Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower joins some exclusive company. Today, we will examine the other four pitchers who have started the MLB All-Star game in their rookie seasons.

Past MLB Rookie All-Star Starters

Dave Stenhouse, 1962

Dave Stenhouse's career in MLB was short, but eventful. In mid-1962, the 28-year-old was pitching so well for the Washington Senators that he was invited to start one of two All-Star Games that season.

In the July 30, 1962, start at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, Stenhouse tossed two innings, allowing three hits and an earned run. The Rhode Island native retired two seasons later and passed away at the age of 90 in November 2023.

Mark Fidrych, 1976

Paul Skenes ties Mark Fidrych for the fewest number of MLB starts before starting an All-Star Game. When the 21-year-old Fidrych was selected for the starting role mere months after he had made his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers, he had just 13 big-league appearances to his name.

Fidrych would finish the 1976 season 19-9 with a league-best 2.34 ERA, winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award in the process.

"June 28, 1976 - @tigers rookie sensation Mark "The Bird" Fidrych captivates the baseball world with a complete game victory over the Yankees!" - MLB Network

Fernando Valenzuela, 1981

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela became the only player ever to win MVP, Rookie of the Year, and start an All-Star Game on the mound in 1981. Regarded as one of the best arms in Dodgers history, Valenzuela pitched a scoreless first inning and logged a pair of strikeouts.

Hideo Nomo, 1995

After an accomplished NPB career, Japanese ace Hideo Nomo inked a deal with the 1995 Dodgers. Months later, he was selected to start the All-Star Game for the National League. That season, Nomo went 13-6 with a league-best 236 strikeouts to win Rookie of the Year. Coincidentally, the 1995 All-Star Game was held in Arlington, Texas, where the 2024 edition is set to proceed.

"Hideo Nomo pitching in the 1995 All Star Game." - Baseball in Pics