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 professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and an AL MVP, widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest pitchers.

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, who is considered to be one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, was born.

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: Strikeout Record

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

2004: ODU Male 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 2004 Major League Baseball draft by the Detroit Tigers.

2012: Parent's Book Released

In 2012, Justin Verlander's life experiences and the story of his development were outlined in his parents' book, Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told.

2013: Contract Extension

Prior to the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a seven-year, $180 million contract, making him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. The contract also included a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2019.

January 9, 2014: Core Muscle Surgery

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

February 2014: Recovery for Training Camp

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

2014: Started dating Kate Upton and iCloud photo leak

In early 2014, Justin Verlander began dating Kate Upton. Also in 2014, personal photos of Verlander and Upton were leaked online as part of the iCloud leaks of celebrity photos.

2016: Engagement to Kate Upton

In 2016, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton got engaged.

2016: Started "Wins For Warriors Foundation"

In 2016, Justin Verlander started the "Wins For Warriors Foundation" for veterans of the United States Military.

June 23, 2017: Brother Released from Tigers Organization

On June 23, 2017, Justin Verlander's younger brother, Ben Verlander, was released from the Tigers organization, and now works as a sportswriter and analyst.

November 4, 2017: Marriage to Kate Upton

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

2017: "Wins For Warriors Foundation" raised $246,311 for Hurricane Harvey Relief

In 2017, The "Wins For Warriors Foundation" campaign raised $246,311 to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey.

July 14, 2018: Pregnancy Announcement

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

March 17, 2020: Underwent Groin Surgery

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin, which required six weeks of recovery. This occurred around the same time as the season delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Underwent Tommy John Surgery

On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery. He confirmed this news on September 19th via his Instagram account, stating that he would miss the remainder of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 season.

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

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