By Gavin Boyle
Hotshot pitcher Paul Skenes helped lift the USA to a win against Mexico in the World Baseball Classic for the first time in 20 years while wearing a glove inscribed with 2 Timothy 1:7.
“Team USA pitcher Paul Skenes had a sensational outing in first World Baseball Classic start, while wearing 2 Timothy 1:7 on his glove, ‘for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,’” sports analyst Jonny Root highlighted on X.
Team USA pitcher Paul Skenes had a sensational outing in first World Baseball Classic start, while wearing 2 Timothy 1:7 on his glove 👏
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” pic.twitter.com/QnHR4P7wEi
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— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) March 10, 2026
Skenes’ performance was phenomenal. He allowed only one hit and zero runs through four innings, while recording seven strikeouts. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023 and has immediately made an impact on the league, becoming one of its most formidable pitchers.
As he finds success, Skenes uses his platform for good. For the 2025 MLB season, he committed to donating $100 dollars to the Gary Sinise Foundation for every strikeout he records, with the goal of raising $100,000 total, an initiative he did for the first time in 2024.
“I am proud to continue my support of the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission to honor and serve our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders and their families,” he wrote on an Instagram post last March. “I will again donate a $100 for every strikeout I record during the 2025 season and invite you to join me on my mission to raise $100,000 for this amazing cause.”
Skenes began his college career at the United States Air Force Academy where he pitched for two years before transferring to Louisiana State University and helped lead the team to a National Championship title.
Skenes is also committed to inspiring the younger generation, something he revealed in a letter just before his first start at the World Baseball Classic.
“In some ways, the whole idea of this tournament reminds me of playing ball when I was a kid. Those of us who are doing this … it’s not about money or fame. It really is just about having a genuine love of baseball, and a love for your country. And let’s be real, some people think there’s a risk that goes along with playing in this tournament,” Skenes wrote. “Guys have gotten hurt at the WBC. So, for some players, that keeps them away. But for those of us who’ve answered this call, it’s all worth it….This tournament is not about me. It’s not about any of us, really. It’s bigger than any one person. It’s about country.”
It is amazing to see a man of such high character lead the sport and work to be a positive role model for the millions of children in the baseball world who look up to him. Even more amazing is that he is also representing Christ while doing it.
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