Justin Verlander

Date of Birth: February 20, 1983

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher who has made significant contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, Verlander showed an early aptitude for baseball, eventually leading him to play college baseball for the Old Dominion University Monarchs. His prowess on the mound caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Detroit Tigers as the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft. Verlander debuted in the MLB in 2005 and quickly established himself as a premier pitcher. Known for his powerful fastball and devastating curveball, he has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. He has won the prestigious Cy Young Award three times (2011, 2019, 2022) and was named the American League (AL) MVP in 2011. Verlander played an instrumental role in helping the Houston Astros win the World Series in 2017 and again in 2022. Off the field, Verlander is married to supermodel Kate Upton. The couple tied the knot in 2017 and have one child together. Beyond his athletic achievements, Verlander is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the “Wins for Warriors Foundation,” which supports veterans and their families.

5 Interesting Facts about Justin Verlander

1. Justin Verlander threw the third no-hitter of his career on September 1, 2019, against the Toronto Blue Jays.

2. He is one of the few pitchers in MLB history to have won both the Cy Young Award and the MVP Award in the same season (2011).

3. Verlander has a unique pre-game ritual: he eats Taco Bell before every start.

4. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 but made a successful comeback to win the Cy Young Award in 2022.

5. Verlander and his wife, Kate Upton, have a love for animals and frequently support animal rescue organizations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Justin Verlander

1. “The best pitchers have a short-term memory and a bulletproof confidence.”

2. “I always wanted to be the best, and I think I had the mentality that if you’re not trying to be the best at whatever you do, then you’re just wasting your time.”

3. “You can’t worry about what other people are doing. You just have to focus on getting better yourself.”

4. “I love the competition. I love the battle. I love pitching.”

5. “Playing baseball, you develop a thick skin. You have to. Sometimes things don’t go your way, but you learn to keep pushing forward.”