Paul Skenes Honors Japan's WBC Legend With First Autograph

Before Paul Skenes even throws his first pitch for Team USA, he's already showing the kind of class that makes champions.

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner met baseball legend Daisuke Matsuzaka at Pirates camp in Florida this week. When Matsuzaka asked for an autograph on a Team USA cap, Skenes made it extra special. "This is the first USA I've signed," Skenes told him. "For you."

Matsuzaka earned the honor through sheer dominance on baseball's international stage. The Japanese star captured tournament MVP honors in both 2006 and 2009, leading his country to championships in the first two World Baseball Classics ever held.

His numbers tell the story of complete mastery. Matsuzaka went 6-0 across six tournament starts with a 1.95 ERA. He remains the WBC's all-time leader in wins and strikeouts, cementing his place as the greatest pitcher in tournament history.

Why This Inspires

Skenes could have signed anything for anyone as his first Team USA autograph. Instead, he chose to honor the player who set the standard for international excellence. The moment shows how the best athletes recognize greatness and pay tribute to those who paved the way.

At just 26 years old, Skenes is already changing baseball. He dominated as a rookie last season, earning both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award honors. Now he'll anchor Team USA's rotation alongside fellow Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal when the tournament begins March 6 against Brazil.

The torch is passing from one generation to the next. Matsuzaka's records still stand as the benchmark for WBC greatness, and Skenes will have his chance to chase that legacy starting next month.

For now, though, the young ace took a moment to honor the legend who came before him.