Is Justin Verlander Still Playing Baseball?
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Justin Verlander is still playing baseball and is currently a member of the Houston Astros.
Justin Verlander’s Background
Justin Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, on February 20, 1983. Verlander began playing baseball at an early age, and his talents were quickly recognized.
His Early Life
Justin Brooks Verlander (born February 20, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played 14 seasons for the Detroit Tigers, with whom he spent the majority of his MLB career. A right-handed batter and thrower, Verlander stands 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall and weighs 225 pounds (102 kg).
His College Career
Verlander attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he played college baseball for the Monarchs Baseball team. In his freshman year, he was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year. In 2002 and 2003, he earned All-CAA honors. As a junior in 2004, Verlander compiled a school-record 17-2 win-loss record. His 196 strikeouts also broke the school’s single-season record previously held by Bobby Sprowl (193 in 1971), and he tied Heath Rollins’ (1984) mark for strikeouts in a single season by a right-handed pitcher. Verlander led ODU to their second CAA championship and was named both the CAA Player of the Year and its Pitcher of the Year; additionally he was named an ABCA First Team All American. Baseball America also named him their first team College Player of the Year.[5]
During his career at Old Dominion, Verlander amassed numerous other awards:
* 2× CAA Pitcher of the Year (2002, 2003)
* 2× First-team All-CAA (2002, 2003)
* 3× CAA All-Tournament team (2001–2003)
* CAA Rookie of the Year (2001)
* 2× VaSID College Division State Pitcher of the Year (2002–2003)
His Professional Career
Justin Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played 14 seasons for the Detroit Tigers, with whom he was a six-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award and Verlander was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006.
In 2019, at age 35, he led the majors in strikeouts (300) for the second time in his career, en route to his third AL Cy Young Award. Verlander also won pitching’s Triple Crown that season. In 2020, he became just the second starting pitcher ever to win five Cy Young Awards, joining Randy Johnson.
Justin Verlander’s Health
Justin Verlander, a former Cy Young Award winner, is currently signed with the Houston Astros. The Astros are currently in first place in their division and are looking to make a run at the World Series. However, it is unknown if Justin Verlander will be able to play due to an injury he sustained earlier in the season.
His Injuries
Throughout his career, Justin Verlander has suffered several major injuries. In 2014, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The injury caused him to miss the entire season. In 2015, he suffered a strained right triceps that caused him to miss a couple weeks of action. In 2016, he missed another couple weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow. Finally, in 2017, he suffered a strained flexor tendon in his right arm that caused him to miss the final four months of the season.
His Surgery
On September 30, 2019, it was announced that Verlander would undergo season-ending surgery to relieve pain in his right forearm. The surgery, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Elisseeff, was successful. Verlander began his rehabilitation immediately and is expected to make a full recovery.
Justin Verlander’s Retirement
Justin Verlander, professional baseball player, has announced his retirement from the sport after an illustrious career. In a statement to the press, Verlander said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to play baseball for the past 20 years. I am grateful to the Houston Astros, the Detroit Tigers, and all of my fans for their support throughout my career.” Verlander will now enjoy his retirement with his wife, Kate Upton.
His Plans
Now that Justin Verlander has announced his retirement, what’s next for the former MLB star?
Verlander plans to spend more time with his family and continue his philanthropic work. He also wants to stay involved in baseball, whether it be as a coach or a broadcaster.
It’s unclear what exactly Verlander will do next, but one thing is for sure: he won’t be playing baseball anymore.
His Family
Justin Verlander’s parents are Kathy and Richard. He has an older brother named Ben who is also a professional baseball player. Justin was born in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia on February 20, 1983.
Justin was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut in 2005. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year that same year.
Justin helped the Tigers win the American League pennant in 2006 and 2012. He was also named the American League Most Valuable Player in 2011. He was a member of the World Series winning team in 2017 with the Houston Astros.
On September 6, 2019, Justin announced his retirement from baseball.
