Pirates' Paul Skenes Reveals Origin of Traffic Cone Home Run Celebration

The 23-year-old ace explains how the unique celebration came to be this season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:19pm

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes revealed the origin of the team's new traffic cone home run celebration during an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show.' Skenes claims his teammate Jake Mangum found the cone in a parking lot before a recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, and the team has since incorporated it into their celebrations.

Why it matters

The Pirates' traffic cone celebration has quickly become a fan favorite, and Skenes' explanation provides insight into how the unique tradition started. As the team continues to win with the cone, it has become an integral part of their identity this season.

The details

According to Skenes, the traffic cone was discovered by Mangum in a parking lot before the Pirates' March 31 game against the Reds. The team then brought it into the clubhouse and has been using it to celebrate home runs ever since. The Pirates are undefeated since introducing the cone, winning back-to-back games against the Reds.

  • On March 31, the Pirates first introduced the traffic cone home run celebration in an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
  • The Pirates will next use the cone on Friday, April 4 when they take on the Baltimore Orioles at home.
  • Skenes' next scheduled start is on Tuesday, April 7 when the Pirates host the San Diego Padres.

The players

Paul Skenes

A 23-year-old pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who won the Cy Young Award in 2025.

Jake Mangum

The Pirates' right fielder who discovered the traffic cone that has become the team's new home run celebration.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team that has embraced the traffic cone home run celebration this season.

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What they’re saying

“There's probably a player's parking spot in Cincinnati. After Mangum brought it in. He probably just stole it from a parking lot somewhere. But we got it, and it's made its way back to Pittsburgh.”

— Paul Skenes, Pitcher

What’s next

The Pirates will have a chance to use the traffic cone celebration again on Friday, April 4 when they host the Baltimore Orioles for the first game of a three-game series.

The takeaway

The Pirates' unique traffic cone home run celebration has quickly become a fan favorite, providing a fun and lighthearted tradition for the team this season. Skenes' explanation of the cone's origins shows how the celebration was born out of spontaneity and team camaraderie, further endearing it to the Pittsburgh fanbase.