Paul Skenes Represents Team USA with Pride at World Baseball Classic

The star pitcher and hitter is driven by his love of country and desire to honor the military.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Paul Skenes, a 23-year-old pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is representing Team USA with pride at the World Baseball Classic. Skenes, who previously attended the Air Force Academy, is motivated by his patriotism and respect for the military. He has teamed up with the Gary Sinise Foundation to donate $100 for every strikeout, and he sees playing for Team USA as a way to honor the men and women who serve.

Why it matters

Skenes' story highlights the deep connection between baseball and American identity. As a former Air Force Academy student who chose to pursue a professional baseball career, Skenes embodies the values of service and national pride that are central to the sport's history and culture.

The details

Skenes initially planned to serve in the military after college, but he ultimately decided to transfer to LSU and pursue a career in professional baseball. However, he has remained committed to honoring the military, including through his work with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Skenes sees playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic as a way to represent his country and the men and women who serve it.

  • Skenes told the MLB Network his thoughts on representing Team USA ahead of the first exhibition game.
  • In 2022, Skenes told The Daily Advertiser that he entered the transfer portal to pursue a professional baseball career.
  • Team USA's quest to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic began on Friday in Houston.

The players

Paul Skenes

A 23-year-old pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who previously attended the Air Force Academy and is now representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Gary Sinise Foundation

A non-profit organization that Skenes has teamed up with, donating $100 for every strikeout he records.

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What they’re saying

“First and foremost, I care because I'm from America. I love America. I've seen the WBCs in the past, and there's no bigger stage or no greater honor than wearing USA across your chest.”

— Paul Skenes (MLB Network)

“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.”

— Paul Skenes (The Athletic)

“Yeah, men's hockey, women's hockey, all the other golds that we won in the Olympics. We're America; we've got to assert our dominance over everybody else. That's what we do. It's gonna be fun.”

— Paul Skenes (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

Team USA will continue their quest to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with their next game scheduled for Saturday in Houston.

The takeaway

Paul Skenes' story exemplifies the deep connection between baseball and American identity, as he represents his country with pride while honoring the military service that was once a central part of his own aspirations.