Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ standout pitcher currently playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, is pitching to honor the men and women serving in the U.S. military. The 23-year-old, who spent two years at the U.S. Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU, shared with Team USA manager Mark DeRosa that his motivation stems from his deep respect for servicemen and women.
Skenes’ Personal Connection to the Military Inspires His Performance
“That’s what we do it for,”
Skenes told The Athletic.
“This is the greatest country in the world. That’s what I believe. That’s why I wanted to serve, why I went to the Air Force Academy. And those folks don’t get the recognition they deserve,”
he added, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who defend the nation. Skenes made clear that pitching for Team USA is about more than just baseball—it’s about representing the sacrifices of the armed forces.
He further explained,
“We’re doing it to represent the men and women that are fighting for us, along with many other things that make this country the greatest country in the world. That puts it into perspective a little bit.”
The Team’s Growing Prestige with Star Players Joining
Skenes highlighted the significance of having renowned players like New York Yankees star Aaron Judge joining the tournament, noting that the event has grown beyond individual ambitions.
“I’m not suiting up in my OCPs (Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms) again or my dress blues or anything like that, but it is going to be a very cool experience for me personally. For (team captain) Aaron Judge to answer the call, all the guys on the position-player side and then all the pitchers that we’ve gotten, it’s this thing that’s a lot bigger than any of us,”
he said.
Team USA Aims to Build on Hockey Teams’ Success in International Play
The U.S. baseball squad hopes to emulate the recent triumphs of Team USA’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, who each secured gold medals over Canada. With Skenes on the mound, the baseball team’s chances for success have strengthened considerably heading into the tournament.
Skenes’ Recent Achievements and Role in the Tournament
In only his second major league season, Skenes earned the National League Cy Young Award by finishing with a stellar 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts across 187.2 innings in 32 games. He mentioned to The Athletic that, assuming the team advances past pool play, he plans to start two games during the World Baseball Classic.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Skenes on Team USA’s Prospects
Paul Skenes’ presence on Team USA brings not only exceptional pitching talent but also a meaningful personal mission that resonates with his teammates and fans alike. As the tournament continues, his dedication to honoring U.S. servicemen adds depth to the team’s purpose, creating a powerful motivation that could influence their performance and inspire spectators.
