Fr. Patrick Kelly, S.J., who teaches in the Religious Studies Department at Detroit Mercy, recently reflected on his connection to Detroit Tigers pitcher and 2024 Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. As a freshman at Seattle University, Skubal took Fr. Kelly’s Sports and Spirituality class, which left a lasting impression.
One key lesson Skubal remembers is the concept of a “flow state”—an intuitive focus athletes experience during competition. “It taught me the value of teamwork and that brotherhood you get playing sports,” Skubal said, crediting the class for shaping his mindset as an athlete.
Fr. Kelly attended one of Skubal’s games last summer, cheering him on from the stands with a shout of “Go Redhawks!” as Skubal warmed up. Skubal appreciated the moment and reflected fondly on the impact Fr. Kelly had on his journey.
Fr. Kelly continues to bring his insights on the connection between sports and spirituality to his teaching at Detroit Mercy.