Justin Verlander stood near home plate Friday night at Comerica Park, battling to put 21 Major League seasons into words. It was never going to be easy for the veteran, delivering an emotional retirement speech before Detroit’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With teammates, former teammates, family, and thousands of Detroit Tigers fans watching, Verlander launched into a two-day celebration of his legendary career, all just a day before the 43-year-old was set for his final Major League start.
Cheers to the Brotherhood, Thanks to Hinch
Man, you just knew it was going to be emotional. Verlander himself admitted it, saying, “Thank you. Boy, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel. I’m quite emotional, so I’m sorry if I struggle to get through this a little bit.” He called out his current teammates, recognizing the “small brotherhood” of sharing a locker room, calling it an honor to play with them this year. Then he turned to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, a guy he’s got history with. Hinch managed him through some of his biggest achievements with the Houston Astros, and for Verlander, having him back in Detroit to close things out “meant the world.” He shared, “Our manager this year, A.J., who I’ve had the pleasure of being with , my longest-tenured manager behind Jim Leyland , in Houston, obviously we had some great memories to treasure. But also, to come back and have you here as my manager to cap off my career has meant the world. So thank you, A.J.” Talk about full circle, right? Hinch is even the one who’ll have the bittersweet job of taking Verlander out of Saturday’s game for the very last time.
That Toronto No-Hitter and a Familiar Foe
The past came alive during the ceremony. Former Tigers catcher Alex Avila was there, a face etched into Verlander’s memory for all time. Avila caught Verlander’s second career no-hitter back on May 7, 2011, in Toronto. Verlander dominated that game, a 9-0 victory where he faced the minimum 27 batters, only an eighth-inning walk keeping him from perfection. Verlander spilled the beans, saying that embrace between him and Avila after the final out is his strongest memory of their time together. “The thing that sticks out in my greatest memory is the no-hitter in Toronto. You coming out to greet me and the embrace on the field there was special for me.” He even joked about disagreeing with Avila’s signs sometimes, which is just classic! That Toronto gem was one of three no-hitters Verlander recorded in his incredible career. And get this: another former teammate, Don Kelly, showed up too, but he was in the opposing dugout, managing the Pirates. Can you imagine the competitive fire from Verlander, seeing an old buddy on the other side?
One Last Pitch, One Last Fight
So, what’s left? Verlander is set for his final Major League start on Saturday. While Detroit hasn’t announced any firm innings or pitch limits, Verlander has made it crystal clear what he wants: a competitive start. Not just some ceremonial wave goodbye. He wants to go out there and pitch. It’s a testament to the competitor that the 43-year-old still is, wanting to leave it all on the mound one last time. You know he’ll be giving it everything he’s got. This isn’t just a farewell, it’s one last battle for a legend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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