27 Jun 2025
The Pitcher Only One College Wanted—Now He's Dominating MLB
The Pitcher Only One College Wanted—Now He's Dominating MLB In the unforgiving world of baseball recruiting, most elite prospects have their pick of prestigious programs. They field ...
The Pitcher Only One College Wanted—Now He's Dominating MLB
In the unforgiving world of baseball recruiting, most elite prospects have their pick of prestigious programs. They field calls from powerhouse universities, weigh scholarship offers, and ultimately choose between multiple Division I opportunities. Tarik Skubal's story was different. Much different.
When the left-handed pitcher from Hayward, California, was finishing high school, only one NCAA Division I program believed in his potential enough to offer him a scholarship: Seattle University. It wasn't Stanford, UCLA, or any of the traditional West Coast baseball powers. It was a small Jesuit school in Seattle whose baseball program operated in relative obscurity compared to the Pac-12 giants just hours away.
Fast forward to 2025, and that overlooked recruit is now dominating Major League Baseball as the ace of the Detroit Tigers, a team currently sitting atop the MLB power rankings. Skubal's recent performances have drawn comparisons to Justin Verlander during his MVP season, and his journey from Seattle University to MLB stardom represents one of baseball's most compelling underdog stories.
The Seattle University Gamble
Seattle University's decision to offer Skubal a scholarship wasn't just an investment in a pitcher—it was a leap of faith. The Redhawks, competing in the Western Athletic Conference, rarely attracted the attention of top-tier recruits. But something about the young left-hander caught their eye, even when bigger programs looked elsewhere.
Skubal embraced the opportunity with characteristic determination. At Seattle University, he didn't just play baseball; he rewrote the program's record books. By the time he finished his college career, Skubal held school records for wins (21), strikeouts (224), and lowest opponent batting average (.221). These weren't just impressive numbers for a mid-major program—they were elite statistics that would stand out at any level.
His collegiate success wasn't without obstacles. Skubal missed most of the 2016 season and all of 2017 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, a setback that could have derailed lesser players. Instead, he used the rehabilitation period to refine his mechanics and strengthen his mental approach to the game.
The injury taught Skubal valuable lessons about perseverance and preparation that would serve him well in professional baseball. "There's a lot of growth to be had when you're uncomfortable and in a scenario you're not necessarily used to," Skubal reflected about his college experience, acknowledging how Seattle University challenged him to develop both as a player and as a person.
College Success Against All Odds
Despite the surgery, Skubal's final college seasons were spectacular. He earned USBWA Freshman All-American honors and was named a freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball. His 2018 senior season was particularly impressive, as he dominated WAC competition while catching the attention of MLB scouts.
The numbers tell the story of his college dominance:
| Season | Record | ERA | Strikeouts | Opponent BA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Freshman All-American | - | - | - |
| 2016-17 | Missed (Tommy John) | - | - | - |
| 2018 | Senior Leadership | Career Best | 224 (career) | .221 (career) |
What made Skubal special wasn't just his statistics—it was his ability to elevate his performance in crucial moments. Seattle University baseball had never produced an MLB star of Skubal's caliber, making his development even more remarkable. He became the face of the program and proved that elite talent could emerge from unexpected places.
The Professional Journey Begins
When the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Skubal in the 29th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he chose not to sign, opting instead to return to Seattle University for his final season. This decision demonstrated both confidence in his abilities and loyalty to the program that had given him his only opportunity.
The gamble paid off. After a dominant senior season, the Detroit Tigers selected Skubal in the ninth round of the 2018 draft. While still not a high pick by traditional standards, it represented a significant improvement from the previous year and validated his decision to return to school.
Seattle University's investment in Skubal had transformed from a leap of faith into a source of immense pride. The school that had been his only option was now celebrating its most successful baseball alumnus in program history.
MLB Stardom and Recent Dominance
Skubal's professional ascent has been meteoric. After debuting with Detroit in 2020, he quickly established himself as a key member of the Tigers' rotation. His breakout came in 2024 when he captured the American League Cy Young Award and became the first pitcher to win the Triple Crown since Shane Bieber in 2020.
The 2025 season has brought even greater heights. Recent reports indicate that Skubal's dominance is drawing comparisons to Justin Verlander during his MVP season, with his combination of velocity, command, and competitiveness overwhelming opposing hitters. His performances have been instrumental in the Tigers' rise to the top of MLB power rankings.
Current Season Excellence
| Category | 2025 Performance | League Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 8-2 | Tied-3rd |
| ERA | 2.06 | 4th |
| Strikeouts | 117 | 3rd |
| WHIP | 0.85 | 1st |
These numbers reflect a pitcher operating at the absolute peak of his abilities. Skubal's WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) leading the league demonstrates his exceptional command, while his strikeout totals show the overpowering stuff that makes him so difficult to face.
The evolution from overlooked college recruit to MLB ace represents years of dedicated work and continuous improvement. Skubal's fastball, which now sits in the mid-90s, has been complemented by a devastating slider and improved changeup that keep hitters constantly off balance.
The Seattle University Legacy
Skubal's success has transformed Seattle University's baseball program in ways that extend far beyond wins and losses. His achievements have put the Redhawks on the recruiting map, showing prospective players that elite development is possible even at smaller programs with the right coaching and commitment.
In 2024, Seattle University inducted Skubal into its Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing both his collegiate achievements and his role in elevating the program's profile. The ceremony was a celebration not just of individual success, but of what can happen when a program and player believe in each other.
The school has embraced its connection to Skubal, using his story as inspiration for current players and as evidence that Seattle University can compete with anyone when it comes to developing professional talent. His jersey number has become synonymous with excellence within the program.
Leadership and Mentorship
What makes Skubal's story even more compelling is how he has embraced his role as a leader both in Detroit and as an ambassador for Seattle University. Despite his MLB success, he regularly returns to campus and maintains relationships with coaches and teammates who supported him during his college years.
His approach to mentorship reflects the lessons he learned during his own development. Skubal understands what it means to be overlooked and has made it a priority to encourage younger players who might be facing similar challenges. This commitment to giving back has endeared him to both organizations and fans.
The Bigger Picture
Skubal's journey from Seattle University to MLB stardom represents more than just individual success—it's a testament to the value of mid-major college baseball programs and the importance of giving opportunities to overlooked talent. His story challenges the assumption that elite players can only emerge from traditional powerhouse programs.
The Detroit Tigers' investment in Skubal has been vindicated spectacularly. What began as a ninth-round pick has evolved into one of baseball's most dominant pitchers, anchoring a rotation that has the Tigers positioned as serious contenders in 2025.
Current Impact and Future Outlook
As the 2025 season progresses, Skubal continues to exceed expectations. His recent performances have not only helped establish the Tigers as contenders but have also sparked discussions about his place among baseball's elite pitchers. The combination of his stuff, command, and competitiveness makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing hitters.
The fact that Skubal is accomplishing this level of success while still in his prime years suggests that his best seasons may still be ahead of him. For a player who was once wanted by only one college program, the trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Lesson in Perseverance
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Skubal's story is what it represents for other overlooked players. In an era where recruiting has become increasingly focused on showcase events and travel ball exposure, his success proves that talent and determination can still triumph over circumstance.
Seattle University's willingness to offer that lone scholarship has been rewarded beyond their wildest expectations. They didn't just get a good college pitcher—they got a program-changing player whose success has elevated their entire baseball operation.
For Skubal, the journey from being wanted by only one college to dominating MLB serves as daily motivation. Every time he takes the mound for the Tigers, he's representing not just Detroit, but also the small Jesuit school in Seattle that believed in him when no one else would.
The pitcher only one college wanted has become exactly what Seattle University saw in him all along: a star. And in 2025, that star is shining brighter than ever in the Motor City.
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