Justin Verlander Bio
Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Over his extensive 20-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), he has played for notable teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and an American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP), holds two World Series championships. He has garnered significant recognition for his outstanding pitching abilities, defining himself as one of the elite pitchers in baseball history.
Early Life and Background
Justin Brooks Verlander was born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin Sabot, Virginia. He played Little League at Tuckahoe Little League in Richmond, Virginia. Verlander’s father, Richard, sent him to The Richmond Baseball Academy when he was young. He was able to throw an 84 mph fastball shortly after joining the academy. His velocity plateaued at 86 mph during his senior year at Goochland High School, during which he was sidetracked by strep throat. Verlander’s velocity increased to 87 mph during his first year with Old Dominion University. He played for the Old Dominion University baseball team for three years, where he set multiple records for strikeouts. In 2003, he helped lead the United States national team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games. The Detroit Tigers selected Verlander with the second overall pick of the 2004 MLB draft, and he made his major league debut with the Tigers in 2005.
Path to Baseball
Verlander’s professional baseball career began when he was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft. He signed a contract on October 25, 2004, and made his professional debut in 2005. He played for two of Detroit’s minor league affiliates before joining the Tigers’ roster. In his first full Major League season in 2006, Verlander went 17–9 with a 3.63 ERA, striking out 124 batters in 186 innings, and was named AL Rookie of the Year. He continued to build on his success, becoming a key figure in the Tigers’ starting rotation and leading them to multiple playoff appearances.
Justin Verlander Career
Early Career (2005–2011)
Verlander made his MLB debut on July 4, 2005, but struggled initially, going 0-2 with a 7.15 ERA in his only two starts of the season. He made the 2006 Tigers roster out of spring training and had a breakout year, finishing with a 17–9 record and earning AL Rookie of the Year honors. In 2011, Verlander had his most successful season, winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award, and the AL MVP Award. He also pitched his second career no-hitter that year and led the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average.
Breakthrough (2017–2022)
Verlander’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Houston Astros before the 2017 trade deadline. He quickly became a dominant force for the team, leading them to their first World Series championship in franchise history that same year. Verlander was instrumental in the postseason, earning AL Championship Series MVP honors. He continued to excel in 2019, achieving his first 300-strikeout season and winning his second Cy Young Award. After missing most of the 2020 season and all of 2021 due to injury, Verlander returned in 2022, leading the Astros to their second World Series title and earning his third Cy Young Award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Justin Verlander has been recognized as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He is a nine-time MLB All-Star and has led the AL in strikeouts five times. He is one of only ten pitchers to record over 3,500 career strikeouts. Verlander’s accolades include three Cy Young Awards, an AL MVP Award, and two World Series championships.
Justin Verlander Award Nominations
Justin Verlander has received numerous award nominations throughout his career, including multiple nominations for the Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award, reflecting his consistent performance and impact on the game.
Justin Verlander Awards Won
Justin Verlander has won several prestigious awards during his career, including the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006, the AL MVP in 2011, and three AL Cy Young Awards in 2011, 2019, and 2022. He is also a two-time World Series champion, having won titles with the Houston Astros in 2017 and 2022.
Justin Verlander Family
Justin Verlander is married to model-actress Kate Upton. The couple has a daughter born in 2018 and a son born in 2025. Verlander grew up in a supportive family environment, with his parents Richard and Kathy Verlander playing a significant role in his early development as a player.
Personal Life
Verlander and Upton began dating in early 2014 and got engaged in 2016. They married in 2017 in Tuscany, Italy. Verlander has been open about his commitment to charity work, particularly through his Wins for Warriors Foundation, which supports veterans of the United States Military. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the community, receiving the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2013.