Full Breakdown
Paul Skenes Launches Sheetz’s “The Big Glizzy” in Surprise Shaler Event
6/24/2026, 1:45:31 AM
Event Overview: Pitcher-Turned-Pitchman at a Sheetz Station
On Tuesday morning, Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes appeared unannounced at a Sheetz convenience store in Shaler, Pennsylvania. The 6-foot-6 pitcher distributed sample-size versions of the newly announced “The Big Glizzy,” a nearly 10-inch Nathan’s Famous Premium Hot Dog, to children, parents, media, Sheetz staff and local police officers. The appearance coincided with the product’s rollout at all Sheetz locations beginning June 24.
Partnership Background: Sheetz, Nathan’s Famous, and the Pirates
Sheetz partnered with Nathan’s Famous Premium Hot Dogs to launch “The Big Glizzy,” coinciding with its jersey-patch sponsorship of the Pirates. The collaboration blends a convenience-store brand with a national hot-dog maker, leveraging the Pirates’ fan base for a summer-season promotion. The product will be sold for a base price of $3.99 and can be customized with a range of toppings.
Key Figures and Groups
The event featured Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and 2026 Most Valuable Philanthropist of the MLB Players Trust, alongside Sheetz, the jersey-patch sponsor of the Pirates, and Nathan’s Famous, the hot-dog maker. Local resident Nicholas Krotec attended with his children.
Product Details and Promotion Timeline
“The Big Glizzy” is an oversized plain hot dog, about 10 inches, offered with optional premade styles such as a Coney Dog (chili and cheese) and an All-American (ketchup, mustard, relish). It retails for $3.99 at all Sheetz locations from June 24 through August.
Official Statements and Responses
Skenes said the oversized dog is a fun, customizable snack better suited for fans during a game than as a pre-game meal. He recalled Sheetz as a frequent stop since moving to Pennsylvania and called the brand a symbol of the region. He added that community events help players connect with local supporters and understand the city.
On-the-Ground Observations
The surprise began around 10:30 a.m. after onlookers waited in quiet anticipation. Skenes removed glass domes, handed out bite-size samples, and answered questions. Police officers and local media were present. Krotec said his family had been waiting since 8:30 a.m, underscoring community excitement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s not much more American than eating hot dogs at 10 a.m.,” — Paul Skenes, Pirates pitcher
- “This is a terrible pregame meal. This is a good mid-game meal for a fan,” — Paul Skenes
- “You can’t really get a feel for the people that come to the games and the city that you’re playing for unless you come into the community, so I think stuff like this is important,” — Paul Skenes
- “Jameson’s favorite baseball player is Paul Skenes. He loves baseball. He’s on three teams,” — Nicholas Krotec
What’s Next
“The Big Glizzy” will remain on Sheetz menus through August, with ongoing promotional signage at stores. Skenes is slated for additional community appearances this summer, reinforcing the partnership’s emphasis on fan engagement and regional branding.
