CONGRATULATIONS: MLB Superstar Tarik Skubal Named to TIME 100 Most Influential in Sports

July 17, 2025 – Detroit, MI

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has officially been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports list for 2025 — a groundbreaking honor that marks a defining moment not just for the left-handed pitcher, but for the entire city of Detroit.

The announcement was made early Thursday morning as TIME unveiled its annual list celebrating athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have made the most significant cultural, social, and athletic impact over the past year. Skubal joins an elite class that includes global icons like Lionel Messi, Simone Biles, Shohei Ohtani, and Coco Gauff.

“This honor means everything,” Skubal said in an exclusive statement.

“It’s bigger than baseball — it’s about using your platform for something more.”

A Meteoric Rise to Stardom

Skubal, 28, has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball. After returning from Tommy John surgery in 2022, he hasn’t just rebounded — he’s ascended. His 2024 season was historic:

• A league-leading 2.34 ERA

• 239 strikeouts over 196 innings

• A 17–4 record

• And a runner-up finish for the American League Cy Young Award

But it wasn’t just the stats that turned heads — it was his presence on and off the mound. Skubal became a leader in the Tigers’ clubhouse, a mentor to younger pitchers, and a symbol of resilience in a city hungry for baseball greatness.

“Tarik doesn’t just throw strikes — he inspires,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He shows up every day ready to work, and when he speaks, people listen.”

A Voice for Mental Health and Equity

Skubal’s influence extends far beyond the diamond. Over the past year, he’s become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in professional sports, candidly sharing his own struggles with performance anxiety and the pressures of life in the spotlight.

In April, he launched the “Pitch Back Project”, a nonprofit initiative focused on providing mental health resources for young athletes in underfunded communities. The project has already secured $2.5 million in funding and recently partnered with Detroit Public Schools to install on-site counselors and wellness programs for student-athletes.

“I know what it feels like to pretend you’re okay when you’re not,” Skubal said in a TIME profile.

“If my story can help one kid speak up, then I’ve done my job.”

He’s also been an outspoken supporter of equity in youth sports, pushing for access to quality equipment, coaching, and facilities for children in marginalized neighborhoods.

Detroit Celebrates

News of Skubal’s TIME 100 inclusion spread quickly across the Motor City, with fans, teammates, and community leaders praising the recognition.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan issued a public statement:

“Tarik Skubal represents everything great about this city: grit, compassion, and excellence. He’s not just a star athlete — he’s a role model.”

On social media, #SkubalTIME100 trended nationally within hours. Fans flooded the comment sections with messages like:

“Our ace. Our hero. Our TIME 100 legend.”

“Skubal’s not just winning games — he’s changing lives.”

Even former Tigers legends chimed in. Hall of Famer Jack Morris posted: “This kid has the stuff. On the mound and in his heart. Well deserved.”

What’s Next?

With the Tigers in the thick of a tight playoff race, Skubal remains laser-focused on the task ahead. But he acknowledged that the TIME 100 honor has lit a deeper fire within him.

“This just motivates me to do more — for my team, for my city, and for the kids who are watching.”

Skubal is scheduled to appear on the cover of next month’s TIME Sports Edition, and he will be honored at a TIME 100 gala in Los Angeles later this year.

As Detroit looks to the future, one thing is clear: Tarik Skubal isn’t just pitching for wins — he’s pitching for a legacy.

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