Pirates phenom Paul Skenes plans on serving country in military after MLB career, Air Force coach says

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It appears Pittsburgh Pirates phenom starter Paul Skenes already knows what he wants to do when his pitching days are over in MLB. 

USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale wrote a feature on Skenes, where he spoke with his former college baseball coach while he spent his first two seasons at the Air Force Academy. 

Mike Kazlausky told Nightengale that he remains in contact with Skenes, and they have discussed how serving his country is something Skenes plans on doing once his MLB career comes to an end. 

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Paul Skenes, #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

"He will serve his country in some manner moving forward," Kazlausky told Nightengale. "It’s just going to be a matter of when. Paul and I have spoken about that piece. We’ll get him back in the military once his professional playing days are over. 

"It’s a big deal for Paul to be able to serve our country."

PAUL SKENES IS AS GOOD AS ADVERTISED. WHAT'S NEXT FOR HIM AND THE PIRATES?

Nightengale’s feature revolved around service academies’ professional sports policies, which would have had Skenes serving five years in the Air Force had he remained in the Academy beyond two years. Only after serving his time would Skenes be allowed to pursue his MLB dreams. 

Skenes opted to transfer to LSU instead, where his play on the mound only got better, and he became the eventual No. 1 pick by the Pirates last year. Skenes owned a 1.69 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with the Tigers during their College World Series-winning season last year that saw him as