Everyone's Praising Paul Skenes For Generous Donation To Charity
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes picked up seven strikeouts over four innings in his much-anticipated MLB debut on Saturday.
Considering Skenes threw 17 pitches at 100 mph or more, he's got plenty more strikeouts coming this season. For each one, the former No. 1 overall pick will donate $100 to the Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans and first responders.
Skenes' generosity has received ample praise from media and fans alike.
"Love to see this," said sportswriter Gordon Edes.
"This is awesome. The @GarySiniseFound has helped multiple friends of mine (and their children) plus countless others. It does awesome work," said a Braves fan.
"When I thought the #Nats were gonna get him I knew he did this and I thought it'd be an amazing fit here. But PITT is okay too, I guess," a Nats fan added.
"Just one reason why we love this guy! Hope he has a Hall of Fame career!" an LSU fan chimed in.
"He was so much fun to watch when he was with LSU and I’m an Auburn fan. God bless you for supporting such a fantastic foundation," said another person. "@GarySiniseFound @GarySinise and his team do so many amazing things for us first responders and the military. Started off strong last night w/7k’s."
Skenes made it through four innings against the Chicago Cubs with a 6-1 lead before allowing two baserunners to start the top of the fifth. The Cubs would go on to tie the game against the Pittsburgh bullpen before the Pirates eventually won 10-9 following a length rain delay.
"Once-in-a-lifetime experience, for sure," Skenes said after the game. "Just an awesome experience from the first pitch, and I'm glad we got a win."
