MLB rookie phenom Paul Skenes is looking to make a big donation to charity.
Skenes, one of the most highly anticipated MLB prospects in recent history, plans to donate $100 for every strikeout he records.
The Gary Sinise Foundation said on its website that the 21-year-old cares “deeply” about veterans and first responders.
“Having veterans in my family and having spent two years at the Air Force Academy, my mission now is to support these heroes and families,” Skenes said through the charity.
“I am proud to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation and will personally donate $100 for every strikeout I record during the 2024 season to this fantastic foundation.”
“Please join me and together we will make a difference.”
Skenes began his MLB career by striking out seven batters in four innings of work during his debut, already racking up a $700 bill.
The right-hander was the first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, but spent the first two years of his career at a military academy.
Skenes pitched in 2021 and 2022 at the Air Force Academy, where he had an impressive 2.70 ERA in 33 games.
He really found his way at LSU, pitching to a 1.69 ERA in 19 games and helping the team win the College World Series.
Skenes’ impressive performance showed in his MLB debut, but it wasn’t a perfect day.
He allowed a baserunner in each inning and three runs in his four innings of work.
“The material was pretty good, I think,” Skenes said after his debut.
“I just need to stay a little bit ahead of the hitters, more consistently. But I think it will happen.”
Pirates held the lead after Skenes finished his match, but the team managed a 10-9 victory in their opener.
“It will be good to get into a routine, for sure,” Skenes said.
DUNNE AND SKENES’ SUMMER OF LOVE
Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes managed to keep their relationship a secret before finally going public last summer.
The two met at LSU, but it’s unclear when they started dating.
Rumors of a romance began when Dunne watched LSU win the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, last summer.
And Dunne posted selfies from Fort Myers, Fla., where Skenes was playing.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and began his professional career playing in the minor leagues in the Sunshine State.
The final clue came when Dunne posed in a Pirates cap before the pair finally went public.
“I love routines and so the last week has been kind of difficult with that.
“But the bottom line is you have to go out there and pitch.”
The Pirates need help from Skenes as they have looked lackluster since a hot start.
At 18-23, they are out of a playoff spot and in third place in the National League Central.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story