When Pittsburgh Pirates 2025 National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and Jared Jones came to Western New York for a Buffalo Bills game, they weren’t just looking for a seat in the stands — they needed a place to throw, including someone to throw to.
That search led to Canisius University — and to Thomas Zwirecki ’26, a Golden Griffin catcher who suddenly found himself catching for MLB pitchers at the Bills Fieldhouse in Orchard Park, NY. What followed was a surreal, behind-the-scenes experience made possible by preparation, relationships — and a little bit of faith.
PHOTO: From left to right is 2025 National League Cy Young Award Winner and Pittsburgh Pirate Paul Skenes, Thomas Zwirecki, Coach Matt Mazurek and Pittsburg Pirate pitcher Jared Jones with Coach Matt’s son Maverick Mazurek.
It All Started with an Ambiguous Email and A Little Divine Intervention
The opportunity began with what Canisius baseball head coach Matthew Mazurek admits he nearly ignored.
“It started with a vague email from a logistics coordinator looking for a place to throw a bullpen and a catcher for a ‘high-profile arm,’” Mazurek said. “At first, I thought it might be a joke or just someone trying to use our space.” Later that same day, a text message from the same contact made things feel more legitimate. By Monday, the two had connected — and the full picture came into focus.
The logistics coordinator had received Mazurek’s contact information through a unique Canisius connection: Grace Heidenger, social media coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and cousin of Canisius alumnus and Sports Hall of Fame hockey player Josh Heidenger ‘10. Grace, a parishioner at Canisius University’s Christ the King Chapel, knew Father Fred Betti, who ultimately helped connect the dots.
From there, everything fell into place. “We learned who the bullpen was for, where it would be held, and we set it up,” Mazurek said. “Then we crossed our fingers the weather would cooperate, and everyone could get into town.” They did — and the call went out to Zwirecki.
“I Thought He Was Messing With Me”
When Mazurek first asked Zwirecki if he’d be available to catch a bullpen session, no names were mentioned.
“I said yes right away,” Zwirecki said. “Then a couple days later, coach told me it would be Paul Skenes and Jared Jones — and I honestly thought he was messing with me.”
It wasn’t until Zwirecki walked into the Fieldhouse and saw the two Pirates pitchers in person that reality set in. “That’s when it hit me,” he said. “I didn’t fully believe it until I saw them with my own two eyes. It was surreal.”
Pro-Level, From Start to Finish
Any nerves quickly turned into excitement once introductions were made. “They were extremely friendly and humble,” Zwirecki said. “They treated me no differently than a teammate.” What stood out most wasn’t just the velocity — it was professionalism.
“From the second they walked in until the second they walked out, everything they did had purpose,” he said. “That’s when I thought, ‘Yep — this is pro level.’”
Despite being close in age, both pitchers demonstrated maturity and attention to detail that left a lasting impression. Skenes, in particular, stood out. “The best word to describe Paul is methodical,” Zwirecki said. “Structured, analytical, disciplined — everything he did was intentional.”
Lessons That Come Back to Canisius Baseball
Zwirecki, who is pursuing a BS in Sports & Exercise Health Care with a minor in Pre-Physical Therapy, views the experience as more than just a cool story — it was a learning opportunity. “The way they prepared themselves really stuck with me,” he said. “Preparation and attention to detail are keys to success. Those are things I can bring back to my teammates.”
Coach Mazurek couldn’t agree more — and couldn’t be prouder of the player who represented the program. “Tom is a great kid and an amazing representation of Canisius University,” Mazurek said. “I’m happy he had the opportunity to do this. It’s something he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”
From Childhood Catcher to Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Zwirecki’s baseball journey began long before college — long before his brush with the Major League.
“I’ve been playing baseball my whole life,” he said. “Before I was even t-ball age, my dad, brother and I were always outside playing sports.” He fell in love with catching at age six, drawn to the position’s physical and mental demands.
“I stuck with it every year and it has ultimately led to where I am now,” said Zwirecki. “As a catcher, you’re calling pitches, controlling the game, involved in every play,” he continued. “That responsibility is what I love.”
One of the most meaningful moments of Zwirecki’s Canisius career came during the 2025 season, when he delivered the best stretch of baseball in his life amid a deeply personal challenge. The day before a game against St. Bonaventure, his grandfather underwent a major surgery with serious complications — and Zwirecki responded by hitting a home run and earning national recognition as part of the NCAA Division I Baseball Team of the Week.
“It was one of those moments where you feel God’s presence,” he said. “My grandfather made it through and is doing well today, thanks be to God.”
Also a lifelong New York Mets fan (with National Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza as his all-time favorite), Zwirecki admits his most recent experience has earned the Pirates a special place in his heart as well.
Preparation Meets Opportunity
For Zwirecki, catching for Major League pitchers wasn’t just about the moment — it was validation. “It showed me that if you approach your craft the right way every day, you never know what opportunities might come,” he said. Sometimes, those opportunities come in the form of a vague email, a few connections, a little faith — and the readiness to answer the call.
