Joe Skinner’s Legacy Lives On: 10th Annual SkinnerStrong Tournament

UPDATE: This Friday, December 19, 2025, marks a poignant milestone as the 10th Annual SkinnerStrong Charity Golf Tournament unfolds at Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando. This event honors the enduring legacy of Joe Skinner, a gifted baseball player who tragically lost his battle with leukemia at just 17 years old on April 30, 2016.

For Judy and Scott Skinner, ten years have passed in a blur—rife with grief yet filled with purpose. “It doesn’t feel like 10 years,” Judy Skinner reflects. “You never get over when one of your children dies.” The tournament serves not merely as a fundraiser, but as a powerful reminder of Joe’s vibrant spirit and the impact he continues to have through the SkinnerStrong Foundation.

Joe Skinner was more than a star athlete; he was a beacon of kindness and resilience. A standout at Bishop Moore High School, he was celebrated for his talent on the baseball diamond, having committed to play at the University of Central Florida before his life was cut tragically short. His struggle against a rare form of leukemia was swift and brutal, yet his spirit remained unbroken.

“It was hard and inspirational at the same time,” Judy recalls of Joe’s final moments on the field—his last at-bat met with a standing ovation, a poignant testament to his unwavering spirit even amid suffering.

The SkinnerStrong Foundation has since raised critical funds to combat childhood leukemia, ensuring that Joe’s legacy translates into action. “Every swing, every laugh, every reunion at this golf tournament is a reminder that his light continues to shine,” Scott Skinner states emphatically.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds not just for the golf, but for the community gathering to celebrate Joe’s life. Each donation and participant represents a defiance against despair and a commitment to support families facing similar battles.

For those wishing to contribute or participate in this meaningful event, details can be found at skinnerstrong.org/events-registration.

As the day unfolds, Joe Skinner’s story reminds us of the power of hope and community. His legacy is not confined to memories of a young athlete but is a living testament to resilience, love, and the enduring impact one individual can have on countless lives.

Join the Skinner family this Friday to honor a remarkable young man whose light continues to illuminate the path for others, even after a decade.