In a city steeped with tradition around both sports and philanthropy, Paul Skenes has taken the reins of his unique position to give back in ways that are both meaningful to Pittsburgh and personally connected to him. Home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, Paul is using his stature in the Steel City, and his background as a member of the Air Force Academy, to positively impact the military community here.
Prior to making his Major League debut in 2024, Paul purchased four season tickets and worked with the Pirates to ensure local veterans and their families had the opportunity to enjoy every home game. This program continued in 2025, with additional engagement from Paul during his first, full Major League season, including meet and greets, gifts and signed memorabilia for each guest.
For the second consecutive season, Paul has committed $100 to the Gary Sinise Foundation for every strikeout he records, with the goal of donating more than $200,000 during his first two Major League seasons. Paul also met with more than 60 students from Virginia who the foundation brought to Pittsburgh to visit the Flight 93 Memorial and attend a Pirates game. Paul spoke with the group about his experience at the Air Force Academy, support of the Gary Sinise Foundation and life as a Major League Baseball player.
In addition to his personal giving, Paul has also supported a number of military-related team initiatives. In May, he volunteered alongside teammates to refresh the outdoor space of the Friends of Fisher House, a home for families whose loved ones are being treated at Pittsburgh’s veterans hospital. He also joined Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting to congratulate 25 local Air Force recruits prior to their swearing-in ceremony, which took place on field at PNC Park during one of the team’s “Military Monday” games. Paul spoke with each cadet about their enlisting specialty and military aspirations.
In June, Paul joined Pirates Charities to host a special clinic for local veterans and active-duty service personnel and their families. More than 100 local heroes took the field at PNC Park for the event, and Paul ensured he met with every attendee, signing autographs and posing for photos.
Paul has also committed to supporting additional military-related efforts this season, including, but not limited to, the team’s annual Clemente Day of Service.
Outside of his commitment to honoring and supporting local military heroes, Paul has been dedicated to celebrating and recognizing another group of local heroes -- young patients battling life-threatening diseases. Two specific stories include local pediatric cancer patient, Aiden, who played his senior year of high school baseball with a prosthetic leg as a result of his cancer, and 10-year-old Make-A-Wish patient, Riley, whose wish was to meet Paul. In both cases, Paul ensured these young patients had experiences they would remember forever, including club house tours, personalized lockers and more.