sports
March 5, 2026
For the love of the game, for the love of country
Paul Skenes is smiling from ear to ear, draped in red, white, and blue, along with the rest of his teammates, as they begin the first exhibition game representing Team USA at the World Baseball Classic at Papago Sports Complex in Phoenix. Skenes told the MLB Network why it means so much to represent his country in the games.
TL;DR
- Paul Skenes feels immense pride and honor representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
- He initially attended the Air Force Academy with the intention of serving in the military.
- Skenes transferred to LSU to pursue a professional baseball career, seeing it as a different form of service.
- He donates $100 to the Gary Sinise Foundation for every strikeout.
- Skenes aims to honor military men and women by playing for the United States.
- He is motivated by the success of other US Olympic teams to assert dominance in the WBC.
- Baseball is highlighted as a significant part of American culture and a social fabric connecting communities.
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