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 American professional baseball pitcher, currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers ever, Verlander is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and an American League MVP. His career is marked by sustained excellence and significant achievements in Major League Baseball.

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.

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.

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.

2004: CAA Strikeout Record

In 2004, Justin Verlander broke his own record and established a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts.

2004: ODU Athlete of the Year and MLB Draft Pick

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 is released

In 2012, Justin Verlander's parents, Richard and Kathy Verlander, published a book titled "Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told" that outlines Justin's life and development.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

On January 9, 2014, Justin Verlander underwent core muscle surgery. The Tigers initially projected that he might miss Opening Day.

February 2014: Recovery and Return to Training Camp

In February 2014, Justin Verlander recovered from his core muscle surgery in January and reported to training camp with the Tigers.

June 23, 2017: Ben Verlander Released From Tigers Organization

On June 23, 2017, Ben Verlander, Justin Verlander's younger brother, was released from the Tigers organization.

November 4, 2017: Marriage to Kate Upton

On November 4, 2017, just two days after winning the World Series, Justin Verlander married model-actress Kate Upton in a medieval church in Tuscany, Italy.

July 14, 2018: Pregnancy Announcement

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

2018: Recovery from Surgery in 2014

In 2018, Justin Verlander mentioned that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery he had in 2014, which he said contributed to production inferior to his career norms.

March 17, 2020: Underwent Groin Surgery

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin, requiring six weeks of recovery. This occurred around the same time the baseball season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down Due to Forearm Strain

On July 26, 2020, it was reported that Justin Verlander would be shut down due to a forearm strain, sidelining him from pitching.

September 30, 2020: Underwent Tommy John Surgery

On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 season, keeping him sidelined through the end of his contract extension with the Astros.

February 27, 2021: Placed on 60-Day Injured List

On February 27, 2021, the Astros placed Justin Verlander on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery. He ultimately missed the entire 2021 season.