Tarik Skubal: From the Minor Leagues to the Top of Baseball
The Detroit Tigers pitcher, Tarik Skubal, has become a dominant and charismatic figure in baseball. His trajectory, spanning the last three seasons, is reaching historic levels. But, how was this force of nature forged? What motivations and personal experiences have shaped his relentless drive?
The key to understanding Skubal lies in his origins. His father, Russ Skubal, recalls his beginnings in the Tri-Valley Little League, where curiously, he shared the field with the author of this note, without either of them remembering it at that moment.The success of Skubal is undeniable. He was the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young Award last season, leading the league in ERA, strikeouts, and wins. In the current season, at 28 years old, his performance has been even more impressive: 10-2, an ERA of 2.02, a WHIP of 0.81, and 10.5 strikeouts per walk.
Skubal himself, surprised by this connection to his past, fondly remembers his time in the youth league. His memories of the strong gusts of wind and the ticks that plagued the playing fields are vivid.
“Ticks. Every night my mother checked my elbows, my armpits, everywhere.”
Tarik Skubal
Skubal, who also excelled in basketball and baseball in high school, only received one Division I offer, from the University of Seattle. He was drafted by the Tigers in the ninth round, after a distinguished career at Seattle, despite Tommy John surgery that cost him a year and likely a considerable sum of money.
Skubal’s competitiveness manifested itself from an early age. His brother, Tyler, remembers the endless battles on the court and the “Skubal Rules”, where intensity was the norm.Skubal’s story in professional baseball began at a tournament in Arizona, where scouts finally took notice of him. Despite not having a traditional path to success, Skubal has shown that perseverance and dedication can lead to the top.
His pitching coach at the University of Seattle, Elliott Cribby, describes his motion as “a fish chasing a lure in the water.”
Skubal has stood out not only for his talent, but also for his attitude. He is approachable, friendly, and always willing to remember his past. His humility is evident when he talks about his achievements and future goals.
A key moment in his development was the flexor surgery in 2022, which allowed him to transform his change from an effective pitch to a dominant one. His combination of fastball and changeup is almost unstoppable, baffling the hitters.Skubal, who considers the Cy Young award as the highest for a pitcher, is proving to be an American League MVP candidate. His focus on each pitch and his positive mentality have made him an exceptional player.
In a game against the Guardians, Skubal threw a complete game of 94 pitches, striking out 13 batters and demonstrating his ability to dominate the game.In a photo of his 2006 youth all-star team, the determination of a young Tarik is evident, already showing the attitude of a future champion. Skubal, with a fixed gaze and firm posture, seemed to know that one day everyone, even those who didn’t remember him, would recognize his talent.
