Pirates Star Paul Skenes Honors Military in World Baseball Classic

When Paul Skenes takes the mound for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, he's pitching for more than just a championship.

The 23-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates ace spent two years at the U.S. Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU, and those years shaped how he sees this tournament. "This is the greatest country in the world," Skenes told The Athletic. "We're doing it to represent the men and women that are fighting for us."

Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award in just his second big league season, posting a stunning 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts in 187.2 innings pitched. Despite his rising star power, he sees the World Baseball Classic as something much bigger than personal glory.

The young pitcher told Team USA manager Mark DeRosa that honoring military service members was a key reason he chose to participate. "Those folks don't get the recognition they deserve," he said. "That puts it into perspective a little bit."

Skenes isn't the only superstar answering the call. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and several other top MLB players are suiting up for Team USA, following the recent gold medal victories by both the men's and women's hockey teams over Canada.

"I'm not suiting up in my OCPs or my dress blues again, but it is going to be a very cool experience for me personally," Skenes said. His military background gives him a unique perspective that few professional athletes share.

Why This Inspires

Skenes could have skipped the tournament to focus on his Pirates career or rest his valuable arm. Instead, he's choosing service over self, just like he did when he first enrolled at the Air Force Academy. His decision shows that even at the highest levels of professional sports, some things matter more than individual success.

The pitcher plans to make two starts if Team USA advances out of pool play, giving his country the same commitment he once gave in uniform.

Watching a Cy Young Award winner pitch with military servicemembers on his mind reminds us that true greatness includes gratitude.