Pirates’ Paul Skenes talks Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
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Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes may be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, supporter of U.S. military members among active MLB players.
That’s why representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic meant a lot to him.
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Paul Skenes, Team USA’s pitcher #30, throws during practice at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 2, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“First of all, I care because I’m an American. I love America. I’ve seen the WBCs in the past and there’s no bigger stage or greater honor than wearing the USA on your chest,” he said on MLB Network on Monday.
“And I think the other one was, I went to the Air Force Academy for two years. I wanted to serve. I was considering the military, and I ended up transferring to LSU. I won a national championship there, I did some great things there. But a big part of me was fully intent on serving in the military as a career after college. So it’s not the military, but it’s a pretty close second.”
Over the last two MLB seasons, Skenes has fought for a cause bigger than wins, losses or Cy Young Awards. The strike teamed up with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) to campaign. Skenes has pledged to donate $100 to the organization for every at-bat he throws this season. The foundation helped expand service efforts by providing additional fundraising and outreach to military, veterans and first responders.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) watches from the bench during the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer / Imagn Images via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Skenes threw 216 homers last season and won the National League Cy Young Award for the first time.
Last week, he made it clear that he would perform at the World Baseball Classic to honor the men and women of the military.
“That’s why we’re doing this,” Skenes said Athletic. “This is the greatest country in the world. That’s what I believe. That’s why I wanted to serve, that’s why I went to the Air Force Academy. And these people don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park on February 25, 2026. (Jonathan Dyer/Imagn Images)
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“We’re doing this to represent the men and women who fought for us and the many other things that make this country the greatest country in the world. It puts it into perspective a little bit.”
Fox News’ Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.
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