Tarik Skubal Discovers His High School Janitor Is Still Working at 80—What He Did Next Surprises Everyone
Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ star pitcher and the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner, recently captured hearts with an inspiring story from his past. During a visit to his hometown of Kingman, Arizona, Skubal was stunned to learn that Harold “Haze” Mabry, the janitor from his days at Kingman Academy of Learning, was still sweeping floors and maintaining the school—at the ripe age of 80. What Skubal did next went beyond a simple reunion, surprising everyone and showcasing the depth of his character.
Skubal’s rise to baseball stardom is well-documented: a standout high school athlete who overcame Tommy John surgery in college to become one of MLB’s elite pitchers. But few knew about the quiet figures who shaped his journey—like Haze, a man who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “I remember Haze always being there,” Skubal recalled in an interview. “He’d stay late after games, cleaning up the locker rooms, always with a smile. I didn’t realize he was still at it.”
The discovery came during an impromptu stop at his old school. Skubal, now 28, spotted a familiar figure pushing a broom down the hallway. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “The guy’s a legend, still going strong at 80.” Rather than just exchanging pleasantries, Skubal decided to act. What followed was a gesture that left the community—and soon the internet—buzzing.
First, Skubal quietly organized a surprise for Haze. Partnering with the school, he arranged a “Haze Appreciation Day,” complete with a ceremony honoring the janitor’s decades of service. Students, staff, and alumni gathered to celebrate, presenting Haze with a plaque and heartfelt speeches. But Skubal didn’t stop there. Knowing Haze’s modest lifestyle, he set up a fund to support the octogenarian’s retirement, personally seeding it with a $50,000 donation from his MLB earnings. “He’s given so much to us,” Skubal said. “It’s time someone gave back.”
The story quickly went viral after a video of Haze’s reaction—tears streaming as he hugged Skubal—hit social media. Fans praised Skubal not just for his generosity, but for shining a light on the unsung heroes of everyday life. “This is what makes sports special,” one commenter wrote. “A guy at the top remembering where he came from.”
For Haze, the gesture was overwhelming. “I never expected this,” he said, his voice shaky. “I just did my job. Tarik’s a good kid—always was.” The fund has since grown with contributions from Skubal’s teammates and fans, ensuring Haze can finally hang up his broom without financial worry.
Skubal’s act reminds us that greatness isn’t just measured in strikeouts or awards, but in the ability to uplift others. As he prepares for the 2025 season, his legacy is already about more than baseball—it’s about gratitude, humility, and the power of giving back.
