Justin Verlander retires

After 21 seasons, Detroit pitcher finally steps down

By Isabelle Abraham

During the last weekend of September, the Detroit Tigers played a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Saturday’s game, on Sept. 26, served as Justin Verlander’s last MLB game ever. 

Fans gathered for Verlander’s retirement weekend at Comerica Park, selling out the stadium for Saturday’s game.   

Verlander pitched for 5.1 innings, with 6 strikeouts and an ERA of 7.00. 

At the end of his pitching time, Verlander’s 7-year-old daughter ran out onto the field to give him a hug. They walked off the field together and received a standing ovation from the stadium. 

Verlander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2004, and played his first MLB season in 2005. He stayed with the Tigers for 13 seasons, until he was traded to the Houston Astros in 2017. After recovering from his torn ulnar collateral ligament, he returned to the Astros for the 2022 and 2024 seasons. He played for the New York Mets in 2023. After one season for the San Francisco Giants, he returned to the Tigers this year for his final season.

As far as awards go, Verlander has no shortage of them. He’s a 10-time All-Star. He was a World Series Champion in 2017 and 2022. He won the AL MVP in 2011, the AL Cy Young Award in 2011, 2019 and 2022, and he was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006. He’s a two time winner of All-MLB First Team. In 2017, he was awarded the ALCS MVP. He won the AL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022. 

Verlander was also the AL wins leader for four years and the ERA leader in 2011 and 2022. He’s a 5 time AL strikeout leader, being the pitcher with the most strikeouts in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018. He also pitched three no-hitter games in 2009, 2011 and 2019. 

With his career success, Verlander is expected to have a spot in the Hall of Fame as soon as his five year waiting period is up.