Childhood and Education Journey of Justin Verlander in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Justin Verlander. From birth to education, explore key events.

Justin Verlander is a highly decorated Major League Baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. Previously with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets, Verlander has achieved significant accolades, including three Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, and two World Series championships. He is widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time great pitchers due to his exceptional skill and accomplishments throughout his career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 20, 1983: Justin Verlander Born

On February 20, 1983, Justin Brooks Verlander was born. He is now an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Others born on this day/year

May 17, 2002: School Record 17 Strikeouts

On May 17, 2002, Justin Verlander struck out a then-school record 17 batters against James Madison while playing for Old Dominion University.

2002: CAA Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Justin Verlander was named CAA Rookie of the Year.

2003: All-CAA Honors

In 2003, Justin Verlander earned All-CAA honors.

2003: Single-Season Strikeout Record

In 2003, Justin Verlander set a school single-season record by recording 139 strikeouts at Old Dominion University.

2004: CAA Strikeout Record

In 2004, Justin Verlander broke his own record at Old Dominion University, establishing a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts.

2004: ODU Athlete of the Year and Drafted

In 2004, Justin Verlander was named the ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year and was the second overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft by the Detroit Tigers.

2012: Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told

In 2012, Justin Verlander's parents, Richard and Kathy Verlander, released the book "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told" which outlines Justin's life experiences and development.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery. The Tigers initially projected that Verlander might miss Opening Day, but he recovered in time for training camp in February 2014.

February 2014: Training Camp

Following core muscle surgery on January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander recovered just in time for when pitchers and catchers reported to training camp in February 2014.

November 4, 2017: Verlander marries Kate Upton

On November 4, 2017, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton married in Tuscany, Italy, two days after Verlander won the World Series with the Astros.

2017: Standing ovations in Detroit

On September 10, 2018, in his first start in Detroit since being traded, Verlander received many standing ovations, and Comerica Park played a tribute video showing highlights of his 13 seasons as a Tiger.

July 14, 2018: Verlander and Upton announce pregnancy

On July 14, 2018, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton announced that they were expecting their first child.

2018: Recovery from Surgery

Justin Verlander mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery he underwent during the 2014 season, contributing to production inferior to his career norms.