Tigers legend Justin Verlander leaves the mound in tears after his daughter surprises him during last career start
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Who said you don’t cry in baseball?
Justin Verlander’s latest start to his illustrious career brought out all the emotions, including a few tears from the 42-year-old. Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch came out of the dugout to retire the legendary starter after 5 1/3 two-run innings in the Tigers’ 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, but did not walk to the mound.
Hinch instead brought someone special to Verlander to take him out of his final start: his daughter, Genevieve.
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Genevieve Verlander runs to hug her father, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, as catcher Dillon Dingler looks on during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 26, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Genevieve rushed out of her seat and hugged her father near the pitcher’s mound. Verlander hugged his daughter for more than 15 seconds as her body shook with emotion and tears began to flow. An emotional Verlander then pulled himself together by hugging his infielders one last time.
After hugging his teammates, he left the mound hand-in-hand with his daughter as the raucous Tigers crowd gave their longtime ace a rousing ovation.
Before greeting his teammates, he hugged his wife, Kate Upton, who was holding their second child. The 2011 American League MVP then greeted all of his teammates and coaches, who had all exited the dugout, before walking down the dugout steps with Upton and Genevieve.
TIGERS LEGEND JUSTIN VERLANDER’S FINAL CAREER START SIGNALS SAD END OF A BASEBALL ERA
Genevieve Verlander hugs her father, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, during the sixth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
As he walked down the steps alongside his family, he waved to the fans with his hat.
The whole scene was like something out of a movie – and a fitting end for one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Verlander, making only his second start of the year due to injury, still threw a 95 mph fastball and struck out six Pirates batters. His last career start was his first at Comerica Park in 3,324 days.
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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander acknowledges the crowd after being taken out of the game during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
As Verlander rides off into the sunset, he also takes with him the era of the workaholic starting pitcher.
In addition to his MVP award, he won three Cy Young Awards and a Triple Crown, was named Rookie of the Year, made 10 All-Star teams, won two ERA titles and is a two-time World Series champion.
What’s next for Verlander? Cooperstown.
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