Pirates’ phenom Paul Skenes is turning his strikeouts into something more powerful than just wins.
The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is making a major difference off the field.
And Paul Skenes just announced a stunning deal that has veterans cheering across America.
New Era Cap to donate $250 per strikeout to veterans organizations
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has quickly established himself as one of baseball’s most dominant young pitchers.
Now he’s using his lightning arm to support America’s military veterans.
The 23-year-old flamethrower and New Era Cap announced a new partnership on Thursday that will see the headwear giant donate $250 to veterans organizations for every strikeout Skenes records this season.
“I’m honored to join New Era Cap’s legacy as an MLB ambassador – and I’m especially excited our partnership will make a difference for veterans,” Skenes said in the announcement. “New Era shares my commitment to honoring veterans and serving military families. This work is very close to my heart, so I’ll do my best to keep the strikeouts coming.”
ESPN currently projects Skenes to record 195 strikeouts this season, which would translate to a donation of $48,750 to veterans organizations.
The Pirates star already has 53 strikeouts in the 2025 season, meaning New Era has committed $13,250 to the cause already.
“New Era Cap is joining Paul Skenes in standing up for veterans, donating $250 for every batter he sits down in 2025,” said Tim Shanahan, Sr. Director of Licensed Products at New Era Cap. “Every strikeout delivers an impact — and with our new partnership, it will be even more meaningful this season.”
Skenes making an impact on and off the field
New Era’s partnership with Skenes extends beyond just the monetary donations.
The company will also provide New Era Pirates caps to four military guests that Skenes hosts at every home game at PNC Park.
Skenes has quickly become one of baseball’s brightest young stars after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
In his rookie season last year, the right-hander set an MLB record with more than seven strikeouts in nine of his first ten career appearances.
He also broke a nearly century-old Pirates franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie.
His dominance on the mound earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors, and he finished third in voting for the 2024 National League Cy Young Award.
The young ace has been selected to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Pirates organization has a long history of supporting military members and veterans through various initiatives. This new partnership further strengthens their commitment to those who have served.
Skenes’ focus on supporting veterans comes as more professional athletes are using their platform to support causes close to their hearts.
This growing trend of athlete activism allows players to make a tangible difference in their communities while inspiring fans to get involved.
While some athlete partnerships with brands can seem purely commercial, this collaboration between Skenes and New Era shows how corporate partnerships can create meaningful social impact.
For New Era, the partnership with Skenes represents an expansion of their community outreach efforts.
The company has been making headwear since 1920 and has become a market leader with products sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
Tim Shanahan highlighted Skenes’ previous success, noting that he recorded 170 strikeouts in the 2024 season, which would have resulted in a $42,500 donation to veterans organizations.
As the MLB season progresses, baseball fans across the country will have an extra reason to cheer when Skenes records another strikeout, knowing each one makes a difference in the lives of America’s veterans.
