2024 Topps Update Gold #US100, Paul Skenes #1470/2024.

Thank you Mantel friends and card folk, for tolerating me and my obsession with Paul Skenes.
Paul Skenes is singularly responsible for breathing a measure of joy I feel watching him pitch for my beloved Bucs once every six or seven days.
There has been no joy in watching the Bucs since 2002, when the Nutting family became the largest Pirates shareholders, gaining a controlling interest in the privately-held team. 
The proverbial "stake to the heart" occurred 5 years later, in 2007, when Bob Nutting formally took over as the principal owner and chairman of the board.
As long as Bob Nutting runs the Bucs I don't anticipate seeing them contend for the playoffs and that means I will leave this world without watching the Pirates participate in the post season.
Until then, the Pirates have Paul Skenes to cling to. At least for a few years perhaps.
I have eagerly anticipated each of his first 50 MLB starts and will continue to do so.
Any why not? His first 50 starts have been some of the most anticipated and productive since the live ball era began in 1920.
Since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920, the only starting pitcher with a lower ERA through his first 50 starts is Vida Blue, who recorded a 2.01 clip from 1969-1972.

Lowest ERA through 50 career starts In Live Ball Era (since 1920):

1. Vida Blue: 2.01 (1969-72)
2. Paul Skenes: 2.07 (2024-25)
3-T. Howie Pollet: 2.15 (1941-46)
3-T. Orel Hershiser: 2.15 (1984-85)
3-T. Jerry Koosman: 2.15 (1967-69)

Collect What You Love.❤