Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes' hilarious prank on Jake Mangum turns his birthday into a surprise

Jake Mangum walked into the clubhouse on Sunday expecting a routine spring training day with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The outfielder was celebrating his 30th birthday and preparing for the afternoon game. Instead, he found himself at the center of a playful surprise planned quietly behind the scenes.

Before the Pirates secured a 9-7 win over the Boston Red Sox at LECOM Park, a large custom cake suddenly appeared near Mangum’s locker. Teammates gathered around as the unexpected display rolled in. The moment quickly became one of the lighter stories of the day around the team.

A pirate themed cake arranged by Paul Skenes quietly turns Jake Mangum’s 30th birthday into an unexpected clubhouse surprise

The detailed cake came from a local bakery called Sarasota Cakes, owned by Tom and Michelle Brazen. The business has been creating custom designs since 1997. This one carried a full pirate theme that fit perfectly with the Pirates identity.

Decorations included a treasure chest filled with chocolate coins and images of Mangum in a Pirates uniform. The design also featured elements connected to his college baseball days at Mississippi State. A small edible sword and detailed decorations made the cake stand out even more.

One part of the design caught everyone’s attention. A faux treasure map carried the message “Happy Birthday to Me.” The joke made it appear as if Mangum had ordered the cake for himself.

According to the bakery owners, the goal was to create something playful. The request was meant to make Mangum appear confident and proud of himself. Teammates say the real Mangum is known for being easygoing and friendly.

Creating the cake required several hours of work. Brazen estimated that the team spent between six and eight hours finishing the design. The most difficult part was shaping the treasure chest using buttercream.

Jake Mangum enjoys the surprise moment while already thinking about a future prank for Paul Skenes

The cake was eventually wheeled into the clubhouse by Pirates travel manager Ryan Denlinger. Mangum saw the design and immediately realized someone had planned the surprise. The outfielder joked that the cake must have been meant for his 20th birthday.

“He was just trying to be funny,” Mangum said. “It was funny.” The idea for the prank started earlier during spring training. Mangum had been talking with Skenes about birthdays and mentioned that he would soon turn 30. The pitcher apparently remembered the date.

“I was talking with Paul, and somehow birthdays came up,” Mangum explained. “I was like, ‘Yeah, man. I turn 30 soon.’” Mangum grabbed a piece of the cake before heading out to the field. Several teammates also enjoyed slices of the elaborate creation. The light moment added a relaxed touch to the day before the game.

Mangum later admitted that the prank might not go unanswered. Skenes is set to celebrate his 24th birthday on May 29. The Pirates outfielder hinted that he may have something planned when that day arrives.


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