Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal has embraced a new, unusual nickname: "Scooby Doo Pa Pa." The moniker, given to him by utilityman Miguel Rojas, has quickly become a part of the clubhouse dynamic.
Skubal, who recently joined the Dodgers via a trade from the Tigers, stated he "absolutely" likes the nickname. "I think it's great. I think it's funny, lighthearted," Skubal said following his longest outing with the team on Saturday, where he pitched seven innings and recorded 11 strikeouts in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I think that [Rojas is] really good at those types of things."
The nickname appears to stem from Skubal's last name sounding similar to "Scooby," evoking the cartoon character Scooby Doo. The "Pa Pa" addition is attributed to Rojas' creative sense.
Teammates have incorporated the nickname into team routines. Kike Hernandez has used it on social media, and the song associated with the nickname is played for every strikeout Skubal achieves. "They play it for every strikeout, too, which I think is funny, too," Skubal noted. "And I got some video of my boys dancing to it before the game today, too, so that's pretty funny. Yeah, it's good."
Skubal described Rojas as someone who "orchestrates a dance thing" before starting pitchers take the mound, suggesting the nickname originated during a team bus ride. The pitcher believes that such camaraderie and unique clubhouse traditions can help him feel more settled with his new squad.
"Any ballplayer getting a nickname from teammates is a sign of affection," the New York Post noted. "Perhaps this affection from Rojas and the rest of the Dodgers’ roster will get Skubal fully settled with his new squad."