Many stories defined Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in 2024, but only one word stuck out to readers as Pittsburgh’s Word of the Year. Perhaps it will come as no surprise to you.

Readers cast nearly half the votes for this year’s Word of the Year to the winner: “Skenes.”

Paul Skenes — the star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates — was named National League Rookie of the Year in November, making him the second Pirates player in team history to earn the honor. (Jason Bay was Rookie of the Year in 2004.)

Just three days before Skenes took home the title, the Pirates were trying to win something of their own: a one-of-one, autographed Skenes rookie debut baseball card. The card was randomly included in a pack of Topps Chrome update series baseball cards. In exchange for the card the Pirates offered a bundle of eye-catching gifts and experiences, including home plate season tickets for 30 years.

Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, the star gymnast who currently competes with the Louisiana State University Tigers, offered a deal of her own. In exchange for the card, she promised the card holder could join her in her box for a Pirates game. Even Late Night host Seth Meyers offered four VIP tickets to a taping of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” if the card holder would let him just “look at it for a second.”

Everyone wants a piece of Skenes, in any way they can get it. The debut patch card remains unfound, according to Baseball America. Or at least, no one has come forward with it.

Runners-up for Pittsburgh’s Word of the Year included “Dahn the Haus,” a phrase often used by TikToker Joe Long, and “Let Russ Cook,” a phrase used to empower now-Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. The motto was originally used when Wilson played for the Seattle Seahawks.