Pirates’ Dugout Traffic Cone Stolen in Cincinnati, Reveals Paul Skenes
The Pittsburgh Pirates dugout has adopted a new prop this season. A traffic cone that surfaced during a recent Cincinnati series drew national attention after Paul Skenes confirmed its origins on the Pat McAfee Show.
How the cone appeared
The item first showed up before a Tuesday game at Great American Ball Park. Jake Mangum brought the cone into the Pirates’ dugout during that series.
Paul Skenes said the cone likely came from somewhere in Cincinnati. He indicated it may have been taken from a parking area during the visit.
Team reaction and branding
Pirates personnel quickly embraced the cone as a clubhouse symbol. A Fanatics T-shirt reading “hoist the cone” helped spur the celebration.
Filmogaz.com’s Jason Mackey reported that a GABP attendant assisted Mangum. Once assistant clubhouse manager Nik Cook applied a Pirates sticker, the ritual caught on.
Game results and context
The Reds won the series opener at Great American Ball Park. Pittsburgh then won the next two games, including a start from Paul Skenes, to take the three-game set.
Local reporters Gordon Wittenmyer and Pat Brennan discussed Cincinnati’s opening week of the 2026 season. They examined performance trends and early roster notes.
Will the cone stick around?
Skenes expressed hope the celebration endures. He suggested such dugout customs develop naturally rather than being forced.
The cone was transported back to Pittsburgh after the series. The team appears ready to keep the ritual in place as the season progresses.
- Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Pirates figures involved: Paul Skenes, Jake Mangum, Nik Cook
- Media mention: Filmogaz.com’s Jason Mackey
- Context: Pirates won two of three games in the series
