This story was excerpted from Jason Beck's Tigers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
DETROIT -- Comerica Park was quiet on Monday with the Tigers off, except for Tarik Skubal in the bullpen. His between-starts mound session was his chance to prove that his left side tightness from last weekend at Miami was behind him and he was ready to pitch on Thursday against the Guardians. He attacked the throwing session with gusto.
“I probably worked a little bit harder,” he said, “just to make sure that I was good to go.”
Skubal does everything with a purpose. That includes his efforts off the field. His passion for charitable work not only fit his status as the Tigers’ ace, it made him a natural nominee for baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which honors the player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.
When Skubal and his wife, Jessica, looked to get involved in the Detroit community, they picked a cause close to home. Alternatives for Girls, a Detroit-based organization that seeks to empower homeless and at-risk young women by providing critical services and support, resonated with them.
“Not only as a parent,” Skubal said, “but also what my wife experienced growing up: Single mom kind of hits home with her. That's kind of where the inspiration came from.”
Alternatives for Girls and Full Circle Communities teamed up last year to build a fully affordable housing development for individual women and families. Dr. Maya Angelou Village provides not only affordable but high-quality safe housing, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Case management offices help residents get the services they need to make positive decisions for healthy outcomes in their lives.
“Tarik Skubal and his wife, Jessica, have shown a deep commitment to the mission of Alternatives for Girls and to the girls and women we serve in Detroit,” Alternatives for Girls CEO Tonya Adair said. “We rely on dedicated community partners like the Skubals, whose support directly drives our ability to change lives, helping those at risk or who have experienced trauma from homelessness, violence or exploitation move from crisis to safety, stability and self-sufficiency. Their support is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community stands behind girls and women on their path forward.”
The Skubals last year donated “Welcome Home Baskets” for new residents, including essential household supplies like bedding, pots and pans and cleaning supplies to help get them started. Their next goal is to help support the opening of an early childhood education center at the village to help young children.
“It's really cool,” Tarik Skubal said. “Any time you have an opportunity to give back in any capacity, it's really special. But to give back to something that my wife's also very passionate about makes it really special. This season's been a little bit harder just because we've had a second child, but I expect next year to be even better than the prior two just because of the ages of my kids. It's special.”
With older son Kasen set to turn two this fall, plus a newborn boy, the Skubals know the value that early education can have on younger childhood. Tarik always sees Kasen in the stands as he’s warming up in the bullpen for a start at home. It’s a tradition he wouldn’t miss.
“I watch both my sons,” he said. “I go on the road for a week, I come back, and they've both got something new they're doing. We go on the road for 10 days, I come back, and my son's picked up a different skill. I think that those early years of childhood are extremely impactful on how kids are raised.”
Being able to help other parents at that stage hits home with him.
“When you get to be who I am and make an impact in any way, I don't overlook that,” he said.