Tarik Skubal had a big night at the New York Baseball Writers’ Association of America awards dinner. And, trust me, the guy cleaned up—both in fashion and in recognition.
Dressed to impress in a sharp tuxedo that shimmered under the lights of the Hilton Midtown ballroom, the Tigers’ ace took the podium to accept his Cy Young Award.
But while the suit was top-tier, the real statement piece? A T-shirt.
The T-Shirt That Told the Story
Now, this wasn’t just any T-shirt—it was the one he wore throughout the postseason that told the story of Detroit’s improbable run to October baseball.
The Tigers’ playoff odds were printed on it, which started at a microscopic 0.2% in early August. By the time they wrapped up their incredible 31-11 surge and booted the Twins out of the AL Wild Card race, that number had climbed to a perfect 100%.
And Tarik Skubal? He sees himself in that same underdog story.
“When I look back on my own career, I see similar odds that I had to overcome, which makes being up here all the more sweet,” he said.
From Tommy John to Cy Young
He wasn’t exaggerating, one lone Division I offer and Tommy John surgery in college. For a time, professional baseball didn’t even seem like an option. And yet, there he was, standing center stage, holding baseball’s most prestigious pitching award.
Now, for a guy who’s known more for his on-field intensity than his oratory skills—let’s just say his most famous speech might still be what he shouted at Cleveland fans in Game 2 of the ALDS— Tarik Skubal delivered an emotional, heartfelt two-and-a-half-minute speech.
Usually, he wears his emotions as fire and competitiveness. But this time? It was pure gratitude, with just a touch of tears.
“I didn’t want to get emotional,” he admitted, glancing at his wife Jessica. “But here I go.”
A Speech Filled with Gratitude
The thank-yous came pouring out. He thanked the Tigers for taking a ninth-round chance on him back in 2018. He thanked his coaches, from A.J. Hinch, who introduced him to the pitching minds who helped shape his dominant season.
He even poked a little fun at his early struggles:
“This club has given me every opportunity to have success, even in 2021 when I gave up 35 homers,” he said with a smirk. “I wish Aaron Judge was up here because he hit a couple of those.”
Aaron Judge wasn’t in the building to collect his AL MVP Award, but he did send a video message.
Skubal’s gratitude didn’t stop there. He tipped his cap to agent Scott Boras, his offseason trainers, and most importantly, his teammates. Special mention went to his catcher, Jake Rogers—the guy behind the plate for every single pitch of Skubal’s season.
“He put up with me for all 34 starts,” Skubal said. “He demanded the best out of me every time I took the ball. Thank you.”
For a pitcher who had been laser-focused all year, putting off reflection until the journey was over, this was his moment to take it all in. The fire and grit were still there—but on this night, it was gratitude that took center stage. And after the year he just had? It was well worth the wait.
