Strikeouts for Veterans is Back for 2026

After a successful 2025 campaign, University of South Carolina Gamecock pitcher Jake McCoy is back for another year of the Strikeouts for Veterans campaign, continuing his commitment to support Purple Heart Homes and the Veterans we serve.

Strikeouts for Veterans transforms moments on the field into real impact at home, helping provide safe, accessible housing for service-connected disabled Veterans nationwide.

Momentum from 2025

Before the 2025 season began, Jake pledged to donate $23 for every strikeout he recorded in support of Purple Heart Homes.

Over the course of the season, Jake pitched 14 games, logged 60 innings, and recorded 77 strikeouts, helping raise an incredible $17,738 for Veterans housing.

"Partnering with PHH and raising more than $17k was a truly amazing and meaningful experience. The relationships built during this initiative have far exceeded my expectations and will continue to strengthen in the future. I can't wait to continue into 2026 and beyond and see the impact we can make with the Strikeout for Veterans program."

- Jake McCoy, Pitcher, University of South Carolina

That success set the stage for an even more meaningful campaign in 2026.

Looking Forward to 2026

While Jake McCoy (#23) has unfortunately suffered an injury that will sideline him for the 2026 season, his commitment to supporting Veterans has not changed.

Jake will be right beside his team all season, cheering them on and continuing the Strikeouts for Veterans campaign in a powerful new way.

Jake's 2026 Pledge

In honor of his jersey number and his original pledge of $23 per strikeout, Jake has committed to donating $2.30 for every strikeout recorded by the entire Gamecocks pitching staff during the 2026 season.

The Goal:

• In 2025, the pitching staff recorded 505 strikeouts
• For 2026, the community goal is 652 strikeouts
• That equals $1,500 from Jake alone

Now, Jake is asking the community to match his commitment and help double the impact for Veterans served by Purple Heart Homes.

How to Join Strikeouts for Veterans in 2026

1. Donate

Support Jake McCoy's 2026 Strikeouts for Veterans campaign with a one-time or matching gift. Every dollar helps Purple Heart Homes provide safe, accessible housing for service-connected disabled Veterans.

2. Cheer

Follow the Gamecocks through the season. Every strikeout by the pitching staff moves the campaign closer to its goal and turns teamwork on the field into impact for Veterans.

3. Share

Help grow the campaign by sharing the campaign with your friends, family, and community. The more people who join in, the more Veterans we can serve together.

Together, we turn strikeouts into housing solutions for Veterans.

Why This Matters

For many Veterans, housing modifications are not optional. They are essential to safety, accessibility, and independence. Funds raised through the Strikeouts for Veterans campaign help Purple Heart Homes build, repair, and adapt homes so Veterans and their families can live with dignity and confidence.

Even from the sidelines, Jake continues to lead with heart and purpose.

"Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, but some things are even bigger than the game. Even though I can't be on the mound this season, my commitment to Veterans hasn't changed. I'm proud to continue supporting Purple Heart Homes and the work they do to provide safe, accessible housing for Veterans and their families. Every strikeout still means something and together, we can make a real impact."

- Jake McCoy, Pitcher, University of South Carolina

Even from the sidelines, Jake is still stepping up for our heroes.

Together, we are proving that every strikeout counts and that teamwork on and off the field truly changes lives.