Skenes Donates $17,000 for Vets Foundation

Pitcher Paul Skenes Wraps Up a Stellar Rookie Season and Donates $17,000 to Military Vets

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes ended his phenomenal rookie season on a high note as he helped secure a 9-4 win over the Yankees. But it’s not just his 11-3 record and 1.96 ERA that are making headlines.

Earlier this year, Skenes pledged to donate $100 for every strikeout to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports military veterans and first responders. With 170 strikeouts this season, that means a whopping $17,000 will be going to a great cause!

Skenes, who started his college career at the Air Force Academy, shared his motivation behind the donation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “Being at the Air Force Academy had a huge impact on my life. I’m not there anymore, but I want to give back to a community that’s done so much for me,” he said.

To sweeten the deal, McAfee himself jumped in, promising to match Skenes’ donation total.

We love seeing athletes like Paul Skenes use their platform to give back. Great job, Paul — what a way to cap off your rookie year!

Main photo by Jonathan Dyer | USA TODAY Sports