40 Facts About Justin Verlander

Source: Nydailynews.com

Who is Justin Verlander? Justin Verlander is a name synonymous with baseball greatness. Born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, he has become one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. With a career spanning over 17 seasons, Verlander has achieved milestones that many can only dream of. From his early days at Old Dominion University to his stellar performances with the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros, Verlander's journey is nothing short of legendary. He's a three-time Cy Young Award winner, a two-time World Series champion, and has thrown three no-hitters. His resilience, especially after returning from Tommy John surgery, showcases his dedication and passion for the game.

Key Takeaways:

Justin Verlander's journey to baseball greatness began in a small town in Virginia, where he honed his skills and set records at Old Dominion University, leading to a successful MLB career.
Verlander's career is marked by numerous awards, including three Cy Young Awards and two World Series titles, showcasing his dominance on the mound and unique achievements in baseball history.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Beginnings

Justin Verlander's journey to baseball greatness began in a small town in Virginia. His early years laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

Birth and Early Life: Born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, Justin Verlander grew up in a supportive family with his parents, Richard and Kathy, and his older brother, Ben.
Early Baseball Career: Verlander's passion for baseball ignited at a young age. He played Little League at Tuckahoe Little League in Richmond, Virginia, and honed his skills at the Richmond Baseball Academy.
High School and College: Attending Goochland High School, Verlander later enrolled at Old Dominion University (ODU), where he set multiple records, including most strikeouts in a game and most single-season strikeouts.
Draft and Professional Debut: At 21, Verlander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on July 4, 2005, against the Cleveland Indians.

Rise to Stardom

Verlander's early years in MLB were marked by significant achievements and milestones that set the stage for his future success.

Early MLB Career: In his rookie season, Verlander started only two games, finishing with a 7.15 ERA. Despite a rough start, he quickly found his footing.
Breakthrough Season: In 2006, Verlander earned the AL Rookie of the Year award, marking the beginning of his successful career with the Tigers.
No-Hitter in 2007: On May 7, 2007, Verlander pitched his first no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers at Comerica Park, solidifying his status as a top-tier pitcher.

Dominance and Awards

Verlander's career is decorated with numerous awards and accolades, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

Cy Young and MVP Awards: In 2011, Verlander led the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA, earning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award, and the AL MVP Award.
Three-Time Cy Young Winner: Verlander has won the Cy Young Award three times: in 2011, 2019, and 2022, placing him among the elite pitchers in baseball history.
World Series Champion: In 2017, Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros and helped them win their first World Series title, earning the ALCS MVP that season.
Second World Series Title: In 2022, Verlander led the Astros to their second World Series championship, making him one of only four pitchers in MLB history to win multiple World Series titles.

No-Hitters and Strikeouts

Verlander's ability to throw no-hitters and rack up strikeouts has been a defining feature of his career.

No-Hitters: Verlander has thrown three no-hitters: in 2007 against the Brewers, in 2011 against the Blue Jays, and in 2019 against the Blue Jays, making him the sixth pitcher in MLB history to achieve this feat.
Strikeout Leader: With over 3,300 strikeouts, Verlander ranks among the top 10 all-time strikeout leaders.
Game Score of 100: In his 2019 no-hitter, Verlander achieved a game score of 100, the highest for a pitcher in a no-hitter since Max Scherzer’s 17-strikeout no-hitter in 2015.
Fastest Pitches: During his 2019 no-hitter, Verlander threw his fastest pitches in the ninth inning, including a 96.9 mph fastball to Bo Bichette.

Career Milestones

Verlander's career is filled with significant milestones that highlight his longevity and consistency.

Career Milestones: Verlander became the 114th pitcher in MLB history to earn 200 career wins in 2018 and reached the 250-strikeout plateau in the same season.
Injuries and Recovery: Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, sidelining him for two seasons. He returned to the Astros lineup in 2022, continuing to dominate hitters.
Astros' Ace: Since joining the Astros in 2017, Verlander has been the team's ace pitcher, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and championships.
All-Star Selections: Verlander has been selected to the MLB All-Star team nine times, showcasing his consistent excellence.
Career Records: Verlander holds several career records with the Tigers, including second in strikeouts (2,373), seventh in wins (183), and eighth in innings pitched (2,511).

Unique Achievements

Verlander's career is marked by unique achievements that set him apart from other pitchers.

Multi-Talented Pitcher: Verlander is one of only four pitchers in MLB history to win multiple World Series championships, multiple Cy Young Awards, throw multiple no-hitters, and earn multiple All-Star selections.
Unique Achievements: Verlander is also one of only two pitchers to win the four major awards of a World Series championship, an MVP Award, a Rookie of the Year Award, and a Cy Young Award.
Active Leader: Currently, Verlander is the active leader in wins and innings pitched, adding to his impressive resume each season.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his on-field achievements, Verlander's personal life and legacy contribute to his status as a baseball legend.

Nicknames and Personal Life: Affectionately known as "J V," Verlander is married to model and actress Kate Upton, and they have two children together.
Height and Weight: Verlander stands at 6’5” (196 cm) and weighs 235 lbs (107 kg).
Draft Selection: The San Diego Padres passed on Verlander in the 2004 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Matt Bush instead. Verlander was then picked by the Detroit Tigers as the second overall pick.
Minor League Success: During his minor league career, Verlander was recognized for his outstanding performance, earning accolades such as FSL Pitcher of the Week and EAS Pitcher of the Week.
College Baseball Records: At Old Dominion University, Verlander set multiple records, including most strikeouts in a game and most single-season strikeouts.
Pan American Games: In 2003, Verlander helped lead the United States national team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games, further honing his skills.

Continued Excellence

Verlander's career continues to be marked by excellence and significant achievements.

Career Strikeouts: As of 2023, Verlander has accumulated 3,268 strikeouts, making him one of the most prolific strikeout artists in baseball history.
Game Score of 104: Max Scherzer’s 17-strikeout no-hitter in 2015 had a game score of 104, the highest for a pitcher in a no-hitter since Verlander’s outing in 2019.
Perfect Games: Verlander’s no-hitters are part of a select group of perfect games and no-hitters in MLB history. His 2019 no-hitter was the 10th no-hitter on record with a game score of at least 100.
No-Hitters Against Same Team: Verlander is the third pitcher with multiple no-hitters against the same team, joining Addie Joss and Tim Lincecum.
Strikeout Records: Verlander has led the AL in strikeouts five times, showcasing his dominance throughout his career.
Earned Run Average: He has led the AL in ERA twice, consistently maintaining a low ERA.
Wins Leader: Verlander has led the AL in wins three times, making him one of the most successful pitchers in terms of wins.
Astros' No-Hitters: The Astros became the 18th club in history to throw multiple no-hitters in the same season when Aaron Sanchez, Will Harris, Joe Biagini, and Chris Devenski combined to no-hit the Mariners in 2018. Verlander’s no-hitter in 2019 marked the second no-hitter by an Astros pitcher that season.
Pitch Count: In his 2019 no-hitter, Verlander needed 120 pitches to go the distance, setting a new season high for him.
Career Highs: Verlander has thrown a career-high 132 pitches in a game twice and has thrown at least 120 pitches in 57 outings, showcasing his endurance.
Legacy and Impact: Verlander’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He is a role model for young pitchers, known for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.

Justin Verlander's Lasting Legacy

Justin Verlander's career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Virginia to becoming a cornerstone for the Houston Astros, he's achieved milestones most pitchers only dream of. With three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles, and three no-hitters, Verlander's name is etched in baseball history. His resilience, especially after Tommy John surgery, showcases his dedication and passion for the game. Beyond stats and awards, Verlander remains a role model for young athletes, exemplifying hard work and perseverance. As he continues to add to his impressive resume, his legacy will inspire future generations. Verlander's journey from a young boy in Little League to a dominant force in MLB is a testament to his talent and determination. His story isn't just about baseball; it's about the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat teams has Justin Verlander played for in his MLB career?

Justin Verlander has showcased his pitching prowess with the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros. His journey began with the Tigers, where he made a name for himself, before moving on to the Astros, further solidifying his status as one of baseball's elite pitchers.

QHow many no-hitters has Verlander thrown?

This ace pitcher has thrown three no-hitters in his career, a feat that places him among the elite in MLB history. Each no-hitter is a testament to his skill, preparation, and dominance on the mound.

QHas Justin Verlander won any Cy Young Awards?

Yes, indeed! Verlander has been honored with the Cy Young Award multiple times, recognizing him as the best pitcher in his league. These awards highlight his exceptional performances throughout his career.

QWhat's a standout moment in Verlander's career?

One of the most memorable moments was when Verlander threw his third no-hitter. This rare achievement not only showcased his incredible talent but also etched his name in the history books as one of the few pitchers to reach such a milestone.

QHow does Verlander contribute off the field?

Off the field, Verlander is known for his philanthropy, particularly through his Wins for Warriors Foundation, which supports military veterans and their families. His commitment to giving back speaks volumes about his character.

QWhat's unique about Verlander's pitching style?

Verlander's pitching style is distinguished by his powerful fastball and a devastating slider. His ability to maintain velocity deep into games, coupled with his strategic use of pitches, makes him a formidable opponent for any batter.

QIs Justin Verlander in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

As of now, Verlander is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, given that players must be retired for five years before they are eligible. However, his career achievements make him a strong candidate for future induction.

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