Pittsburgh Pirates rising star Paul Skenes, known for his blazing fastball and calm presence on the mound, recently revealed a surprising ambition beyond baseball: serving in the United States military after his playing career ends.
This heartfelt goal was shared by Skenes’s former coach, Mike Kazlausky, who praised the pitcher’s dedication to this future path.
“It’s a big deal for Paul to be able to serve our country,” Kazlausky said, highlighting the significance of Skenes’s dream.
Fans react to Skenes’s military ambition
Known as the “flame thrower” for his incredible pitching velocity, Skenes has impressed MLB fans this season with a 2.03 ERA, 115 strikeouts in 111 innings, and a remarkable 0.92 WHIP, despite a 4-7 win-loss record. The Pirates’ offense and bullpen have struggled to back him up, contributing to some disappointing results. Still, his individual talent remains undeniable.
When news of Skenes’ military aspirations spread, social media buzzed with a wide range of reactions. Some fans admired his patriotism, while others responded with humor or skepticism.
“Cute gesture but the military is not letting you join with a f**king 500M net worth, buddy,” one fan posted, poking fun at the idea of a millionaire athlete enlisting.
“I’ll look after Livvy while he’s gone. I salute you, Paul,” added another thoughtful supporter.
Others raised practical questions about timing and feasibility.
“Is he planning on having a short career? Because there is an age limit on the military and I’m sure he’ll want to spend some time and money before putting his life on the line,” one fan commented.
Despite mixed reactions, many respect Skenes’ willingness to consider a future of service beyond the baseball diamond.
Though the Pirates recently dropped in the week 13 MLB power rankings due to offensive struggles, Skenes continues to shine as a bright spot for the team. His unique blend of athletic prowess and personal ambition makes him one of baseball’s most compelling young stars. Whether he pitches in the majors or serves his country someday, Paul Skenes is a player and person worth watching.
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