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 accomplished American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. His illustrious career includes stints with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Verlander's achievements include three Cy Young Awards, an AL MVP Award, and two World Series championships. Widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance throughout his career.

Sections (5)

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

February 20, 1983: Justin Verlander's Birth

On February 20, 1983, Justin Brooks Verlander was born. He is 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 establishing a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts.

2004: ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year

In 2004, Justin Verlander was named the ODU Alumni Association's Male Athlete of the Year.

2004: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2004, the Detroit Tigers selected Justin Verlander with the second overall pick of the MLB draft. He also broke his own strikeout record establishing a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts that year.

2012: Parents' Book Published in 2012

In 2012, Richard and Kathy Verlander, Justin Verlander's parents, published 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.

February 2014: Recovery from Surgery

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

November 4, 2017: Verlander Marries Kate Upton

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

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, a daughter.

March 17, 2020: Groin Surgery in 2020

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin, requiring six weeks to recover. This coincided with the season delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

On July 26, 2020, Justin Verlander was shut down with a forearm strain.

September 30, 2020: Tommy John Surgery

Justin Verlander confirmed he would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2020 season and all of 2021. He underwent the surgery on September 30, 2020.

2020: First Time Since Opening Day 2020

Having not recorded a statistic in 2021, Verlander made his way back on April 9, 2022, against the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020.

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 missed the entire 2021 season.

2021: Missed 2021

Having not recorded a statistic in 2021, Verlander made his way back on April 9, 2022, against the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since Opening Day 2020.

2021: Expected to Miss 2021 Season

In 2020, it was announced that Justin Verlander would undergo Tommy John surgery and 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.