History of Justin Verlander in Timeline

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

1905: Athletics Postseason Record

In 2013, Justin Verlander had thrown 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics. This is a major league record for a pitcher versus one team, surpassing Christy Mathewson's 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911.

1911: Athletics Postseason Record

1924: Triple Crown Pitchers in Both Leagues

In 1924, it was the first season featuring a Triple Crown pitcher in both leagues.

1944: Hal Newhouser AL MVP Award

In 1944, Hal Newhouser won an AL MVP Award.

1945: Hal Newhouser AL MVP Award

In 1945, Hal Newhouser won an AL MVP Award.

1965: Sandy Koufax Record

In 2013, Justin Verlander became the second pitcher in Major League history with ten or more strikeouts and no runs allowed in back-to-back postseason games, joining Sandy Koufax in Games 5 and 7 of the 1965 World Series.

1968: Denny McLain AL MVP Award

In 1968, Denny McLain won an AL MVP Award.

1970: Opening Day Strikeouts

Justin Verlander tied a franchise record for the most strikeouts on Opening Day in 2017. He became the first Tigers player to strikeout 10 since Mickey Lolich in 1970.

1971: Mickey Lolich Strikeouts

In 1971, Mickey Lolich had 308 strikeouts.

1973: AL Player of the Week Award Established

In 1973, the AL Player of the Week award was established. Justin Verlander became the fourth pitcher to win the award as many as 10 times.

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

1984: Willie Hernández AL MVP Award

In 1984, Willie Hernández won an AL MVP Award.

September 16, 1985: Mike Moore Feat

On September 16, 1985, Mike Moore accomplished a similar feat to Justin Verlander loading the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and getting out of it without allowing a run.

1986: Tied Jim Deshaies for Astros franchise record

In 1986, Jim Deshaies set an Astros franchise record of eight consecutive strikeouts in a game, a feat Justin Verlander later tied.

1986: Roger Clemens AL MVP Award

In 1986, Roger Clemens was the first starting pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award.

1991: Bill Gullickson 20 Wins

In 1991, Bill Gullickson was the last Tiger to win 20 games.

1992: Dennis Eckersley AL MVP Award

In 1992, Dennis Eckersley claimed an AL MVP Award.

2000: Pedro Martinez's ERA

In 2000, Pedro Martinez achieved a 1.74 ERA.

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: Curt Schilling 20 Wins

In 2002, Curt Schilling reached 20 wins before the end of August.

2002: CAA Rookie of the Year

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

2002: Teammates strike out 250 batters

In 2002, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were the last teammates to strike out at least 250 batters in the same season before Verlander and Gerrit Cole replicated the feat in 2018.

2003: All-CAA Honors

In 2003, Justin Verlander earned All-CAA honors.

2003: Pan American Games Silver Medal

In 2003, Justin Verlander helped lead the United States national team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games.

2003: Single-Season Strikeout Record

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

2003: Verlander wins silver medal in Pan American Games

In 2003, as a college sophomore, Justin Verlander pitched for the United States national baseball team and helped the US win a silver medal in the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo.

October 25, 2004: Signed Contract

On October 25, 2004, Justin Verlander signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers.

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.

2004: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2004, the Detroit Tigers selected Justin Verlander with the second overall pick of the MLB draft.

July 4, 2005: MLB Debut

On July 4, 2005, Justin Verlander made his MLB debut. He went 0-2 with a 7.15 ERA in his only two starts of the season.

2005: MLB Debut

In 2005, Justin Verlander made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers.

July 4, 2006: Multiple Fastballs over 100 mph

On July 4, 2006, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Fernando Rodney each threw multiple fastballs over 100 mph, a first in MLB history for three pitchers on the same team during a game.

2006: Most Pitches Thrown Since Rookie Season

By 2015, Justin Verlander had thrown more pitches than any other pitcher since his rookie season in 2006, with 32,535 pitches in the regular season and 1,688 pitches in the postseason.

2006: AL Rookie of the Year

In 2006, Justin Verlander was named the AL Rookie of the Year.

2006: Strikeout Rate

In 2014, Justin Verlander's strikeout rate remained low, finishing with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate, both the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park

In 2007, Justin Verlander pitched the first no-hitter at Comerica Park.

2007: No-Hitter Against the Brewers

In 2007, Justin Verlander recorded a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, striking out twelve. He accumulated 18 wins, posting a 3.66 ERA with 183 strikeouts in 201+2⁄3 innings that year.

2008: Led MLB in Losses

In 2008, Justin Verlander led MLB in losses with 17 and finished the season with an 11–17 win-loss record and a 4.84 ERA.

2008: All-Star Streak Snapped

In 2014, Justin Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008, ending a streak of five straight appearances.

2008: Lowest Innings Pitched Since 2008

Justin Verlander's 218+1⁄3 innings pitched in 2013 were the lowest total since his 2008 season.

2008: Verlander threw pitches of over 100+ mph

Since 2008, Justin Verlander has thrown pitches of over 100+ mph in the 8th inning or later 44 times.

July 24, 2009: Escaped Bases-Loaded Jam

On July 24, 2009, Justin Verlander became the first Major League starter in 24 years to load the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning or later and get out of it without allowing a run.

2009: Led MLB in Strikeouts

In 2009, Justin Verlander finished the season with an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts, the most by a Tiger since Mickey Lolich in 1971, and 19 wins, leading the majors. He finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

2009: Verlander leads all of major league baseball

In 2009, Justin Verlander led all of major league baseball in strikeout totals.

2009: AL Leader in Wins and Strikeouts

In 2009, Justin Verlander led the AL in wins and strikeouts for the first time in his career.

2009: Strikeout Rate

In 2016, Justin Verlander's strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career, trailing only the 10.1/9 rate posted in 2009.

2010: Contract Extension and Season

In the offseason, Justin Verlander and the Tigers reached a deal for a five-year, $80 million contract extension. In 2010, he earned his 10th win of the season by July 3 and finished the season with an 18–9 record and a 3.37 ERA.

April 22, 2011: 1,000th Career Strikeout

On April 22, 2011, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in a 9–3 win over the White Sox, becoming the 15th Tiger to do so.

2011: Verlander's MVP Campaign

In 2011, Justin Verlander had an MVP campaign, marked by winning an ERA title.

2011: Successful Season

In 2011, Justin Verlander had his most successful season, pitching his second career no-hitter and winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award, the AL MVP Award, and the Sporting News Player of the Year Award.

2011: Triple Crown

In 2011, Justin Verlander had won the Triple Crown of pitching in the AL, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250; tied for sixth most in Tigers history) and ERA (2.40).

2011: Verlander leads all of major league baseball

In 2011, Justin Verlander led all of major league baseball in strikeout totals.

2011: Awards and Recognition

In 2011, Justin Verlander received the AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award, Sporting News Player of the Year Award, a Players Choice Award for Player the Year and Most Outstanding American League pitcher, and a USA Today American League Cy Young. He was also named the cover athlete of "Major League Baseball 2K12".

2011: Cy Young and MVP Awards

In 2011, Justin Verlander won both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award and unanimously won the 2011 AL Cy Young Award. He became the second pitcher in baseball history after Don Newcombe to win the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP awards in his career.

May 18, 2012: One-Hitter Against the Pirates

On May 18, 2012, Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates before giving up a one-out single in a 6–0 victory. It was his first career complete-game one-hitter.

2012: Cy Young Award

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was announced as a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award. He finished second in Cy Young voting, losing to Rick Porcello by five points, in what was the second-closest vote in history to the 2012 AL Cy Young race that Verlander lost. It marked the third time in history and first in the AL that a pitcher won the Cy Young Award without receiving the most first-place votes.

2012: Verlander leads all of major league baseball

In 2012, Justin Verlander led all of major league baseball in strikeout totals.

2012: ALCS Appearance

In 2012, Justin Verlander made his only appearance in the ALCS in Game 3 against the New York Yankees, earning a 2–1 win. He held the Yankees hitters to two hits through eight innings before surrendering a leadoff home run in the ninth inning to Eduardo Núñez. In between giving up one run in the first inning of Game 1 in the ALDS and one run in the ninth inning of Game 3 in the ALCS, Verlander recorded 24 consecutive scoreless postseason innings.

2012: World Series Game 1

In 2012, Justin Verlander pitched Game 1 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants and allowed five earned runs in four innings, including two home runs to Pablo Sandoval. The Tigers were ultimately swept in the Series.

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.

2012: ALDS complete-game shutout

In the 2012 ALDS, Justin Verlander won Game 1 against the Oakland Athletics with a 3–1 decision. In the deciding fifth game of the series in 2012, he pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits, as the Tigers won 6–0 to advance to the ALCS. Verlander struck out 11 in each of his ALDS starts and became the first pitcher in MLB history to record more than 10 strikeouts in a winner-take-all postseason shutout. His 22 strikeouts in the series set a record for an ALDS.

2013: ALCS Game 3

During Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox, Justin Verlander threw 6+1⁄3 scoreless innings (extending his 2013 postseason scoreless streak to 21+1⁄3 innings) before allowing a solo home run to Mike Napoli in the seventh. Despite striking out ten batters in eight innings and allowing only one run, Verlander lost a 1–0 decision. This marked Verlander's sixth career postseason game with ten or more strikeouts, more than any other pitcher in MLB postseason history.

2013: Verlander forms Wins for Warriors Foundation

In 2013, Justin Verlander formed the Wins for Warriors Foundation for veterans of the United States Military, donating over $1 million to the organization. He was also honored with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for his work with veterans.

2013: Hit triple digits on the radar gun

In 2013, Justin Verlander hit triple digits on the radar gun.

2013: Verlander ties postseason record in ALCS Game 3

In 2013, Justin Verlander struck out six consecutive hitters in Game 3 of the ALCS, tying a postseason record.

2013: All-Star Selection

In 2013, Justin Verlander was selected as a reserve pitcher for the American League All-Star team by Jim Leyland, the AL team's manager. This marked Verlander's sixth All-Star selection. However, due to him starting a game on July 14 for the Tigers, he was unavailable for the July 16 All-Star game. He entered the All-Star break with a 10–6 record, 125 strikeouts, and a 3.50 ERA.

2013: 2013 Season Stats

Justin Verlander finished the 2013 regular season with a 13–12 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 217 strikeouts.

2013: Contract Extension

Prior to the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a seven-year, $180 million contract. This contract made him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.

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.

2014: AL Central Division Championship

In 2014, Justin Verlander played for Detroit and was a key figure in an AL Central division championship.

2014: Verlander's average in 2014

In 2014, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 91.2 mph.

2014: Decreased Fastball Velocity

In 2014, Justin Verlander's fastball velocity averaged 91.2 mph, a decrease compared to later years.

2014: Verlander's personal pictures leaked

In 2014, personal pictures of Justin Verlander were leaked online as part of the iCloud celebrity photo leaks.

2014: 2014 Season Second Half

Justin Verlander performed somewhat better in the second half of 2014. His season ERA and WHIP dropped, and he won his final three decisions. However, his strikeout rate remained low. He mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from core surgery during the 2014 season.

2014: Struggles in 2014 First Half

Justin Verlander struggled in the first half of 2014. His strikeouts were down, and his ERA and WHIP were elevated. He was not named to the AL All-Star team for the first time since 2008.

2015: Verlander's average in 2015

In 2015, Justin Verlander's average fastball velocity was 92.3 mph.

2015: Fastball velocity struggles

In 2015, Justin Verlander's fastball velocity averaged 92.3 mph.

2015: Disabled List

Justin Verlander started the 2015 season on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain, ending his streak of seven consecutive Opening Day starts for the Tigers. This was the first time Verlander had been placed on the DL in his major league career.

2016: Verlander finishes in the Top 10

In 2016, Justin Verlander finished in the Top 10 in innings pitched.

2016: 2016 Season Stats

Justin Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16–9 record and led the American League with 254 strikeouts for the fourth time. He also finished first in the AL with a 1.00 WHIP, and his 3.04 ERA ranked second. His strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career. Verlander's 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record for a season. He joined Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens as the only three AL pitchers to strike out 250+ batters after turning 33. He threw 3,668 pitches, more than any other MLB pitcher.

2016: AL Pitcher of the Month

Justin Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July of 2016, after going 4–0 with a 1.69 ERA. On September 27, he struck out 12 Cleveland Indians batters to reach a career-high eight games with 10+ strikeouts this season. From July 15 on, Verlander compiled an 8–3 record, 1.96 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts. On October 2, Verlander was the last pitcher to issue a four-pitch intentional walk before a rule change.

2016: Strikeout Milestones

On May 8, 2016, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,981st strikeout in his Tiger career, surpassing Jack Morris for second place on the list of all-time Tiger strikeout leaders. On May 18, Verlander fanned Eddie Rosario for his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming just the second Tigers pitcher to reach the milestone. He entered the 2016 All-Star break with an 8–6 record, 4.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts.

April 4, 2017: Opening Day Strikeouts

In a win over the Chicago White Sox on April 4, 2017, Justin Verlander tied a franchise record for the most strikeouts on Opening Day with ten, becoming the first Tigers player to do so since Mickey Lolich in 1970.

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: Trade to Astros and World Series Win

In 2017, Justin Verlander was traded to the Astros before the trade deadline, went undefeated in his first five starts, was named AL Championship Series MVP, and co-won the Babe Ruth Award as the Astros won the World Series.

2017: Verlander traded to the Astros

In 2017, Justin Verlander was traded to the Astros.

2017: Velocity soars back up

In 2017, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 mph.

2017: Verlander's velocity soared back up

In the 2017 campaign, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 mph.

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.

March 5, 2018: Named Opening Day Starter for Astros

On March 5, 2018, Justin Verlander was named the opening day starter for the Houston Astros, marking his 10th career opening day start and his first with the team.

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: 200th Career Win

In 2018, Justin Verlander earned his 200th career win.

2018: Verlander finishes in the Top 10

In 2018, Justin Verlander finished in the Top 10 in innings pitched.

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.

March 24, 2019: Contract Extension with Astros

On March 24, 2019, Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros agreed to a two-year, $66 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2021 season.

November 12, 2019: Second Cy Young Award

On November 12, 2019, Justin Verlander won his second Cy Young Award, receiving 171 points and 17 of 30 first-place votes to top teammate Gerrit Cole. It was also the first time he received the award while playing for the Houston Astros.

2019: Third No-Hitter and Second Cy Young Award

In 2019, Justin Verlander became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to throw three career no-hitters, had his first 300-strikeout season, and won his second Cy Young award, leading the Astros to their second pennant.

2019: Verlander leads the league

In 2019, Justin Verlander lead the league in innings pitched.

2019: Contract Vesting Option

In 2019, Justin Verlander's contract included a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in Cy Young Award voting.

March 17, 2020: Underwent groin surgery

On March 17, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent surgery on his right groin that required six weeks to recover.

July 24, 2020: 12th Career Opening Day Start

On July 24, 2020, Justin Verlander made his 12th career opening day start, earning the win after striking out seven and giving up two runs through six innings.

July 26, 2020: Shut Down with Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Tommy John Surgery

On September 30, 2020, Justin Verlander underwent Tommy John surgery.

2020: Contract Vesting Option Year

In 2020, Justin Verlander had a $22 million vesting option in his contract, dependent on his Cy Young Award voting performance in 2019.

2020: Season Injury

In 2020, Justin Verlander missed most of the season due to injury.

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.

December 13, 2021: Signed with Astros

On December 13, 2021, Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract with the Astros, containing an option for a second season.

2021: Season Injury

In 2021, Justin Verlander missed all of the season due to injury.

April 9, 2022: First Game Since 2020 Opening Day

On April 9, 2022, Justin Verlander made his return against the Los Angeles Angels, his first game since Opening Day 2020. He struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings.

August 23, 2022: Verlander passes Pedro Martínez on all-time strikeout list

On August 23, 2022, Justin Verlander pitched six hitless innings with ten strikeouts in a win against the Minnesota Twins, surpassing Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list and reclaiming the title of active career strikeout leader from Max Scherzer.

December 7, 2022: Verlander signs with the Mets

On December 7, 2022, Justin Verlander signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $35 million vesting option for 2025. His average annual value matched Max Scherzer's record for the highest in MLB history.

December 2022: Signed with the Mets

In December 2022, Justin Verlander signed with the New York Mets.

2022: Verlander concludes 2022 campaign

In 2022, Justin Verlander concluded his season with an 18–4 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts in 175 innings. He led the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP, and BAA and the American League in wins, winning his first ERA title since 2011.

2022: Verlander wins first World Series Game

In 2022, Justin Verlander had his eighth double-digit strikeout effort in the postseason during Game 1 of the ALCS. Later in the World Series Game 5, he secured his first career World Series win. The Astros defeated the Phillies in six games, awarding Verlander his second World Series ring.

March 30, 2023: Verlander placed on injured list by the Mets

On March 30, 2023, the Mets placed Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list due to a low-grade teres major strain, retroactive to March 28.

August 1, 2023: Verlander traded back to the Astros

On August 1, 2023, the Mets traded Justin Verlander back to the Houston Astros.

August 2023: Trade back to the Astros

In August 2023, Justin Verlander was traded back to the Houston Astros.

2023: Verlander declines invitation to World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Justin Verlander declined an invitation to join the United States national team at the World Baseball Classic, citing his recent recovery from Tommy John surgery and World Series campaign.

2023: Verlander debuts with the Mets and defeats all 30 teams

In 2023, Justin Verlander was activated from the IL and made his debut with the Mets against the Detroit Tigers. On May 10, 2023, with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds, he became the 21st pitcher in MLB history to defeat all 30 teams.

May 25, 2024: Verlander passes Greg Maddux on all-time strikeout list

On May 25, 2024, Justin Verlander passed Greg Maddux for 10th on the all-time strikeout list. The victory was also the 260th of Verlander's career, the most of any pitcher who debuted in the 21st century.

2024: Verlander starts the 2024 season on the IL

Justin Verlander began the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation complications. He made his debut on April 19, 2024, and also passed Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list.