History of Justin Verlander in Timeline

Justin Verlander is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. Widely regarded as one of baseball's all-time greats, he previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Verlander's distinguished career includes three Cy Young Awards and an American League MVP Award, solidifying his place as an iconic figure in the sport.

Sections (5)

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

1905: Reference to Christy Mathewson's Record

In 2013, Justin Verlander surpassed Christy Mathewson's record of 28 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1911 by throwing 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics.

1911: Reference to Christy Mathewson's Record

1924: Last Season with Triple Crown Pitchers in Both Leagues

1924 was the last season before 2011 featuring a Triple Crown pitcher in both leagues.

1944: Hal Newhouser's AL MVP Award

Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award in 1944; one of four Tigers pitcher to win it in franchise history.

1945: Hal Newhouser's AL MVP Award

Hal Newhouser won the AL MVP Award in 1945; one of four Tigers pitcher to win it in franchise history.

1965: Reference to Sandy Koufax's Record

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

1968: Denny McLain's AL MVP Award

Denny McLain won the AL MVP Award in 1968; one of four Tigers pitcher to win it in franchise history.

1968: Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio

In 2016, Justin Verlander set a Tiger record for a season with a 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio, eclipsing the 4.44 mark set by Denny McLain in the 1968 season.

1970: Previous Franchise Record

On April 4, 2017, Justin Verlander became the first Tigers player to record ten strikeouts on Opening Day since Mickey Lolich in 1970, tying the franchise record.

1971: Mickey Lolich's Strikeout Record

In 1971, Mickey Lolich had 308 strikeouts, more than Justin Verlander's 269 strikeouts in 2009.

1973: Establishment of AL Player of the Week award

In 1973, the AL Player of the Week award was established. Justin Verlander was later awarded his 10th career AL Player of the Week award for the week of September 25 – October 1, 2023, becoming the fourth pitcher to win as many as 10 times since the award was established.

February 20, 1983: Justin Verlander Born

On February 20, 1983, Justin Brooks Verlander was born. He later became a professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Willie Hernández's AL MVP Award

Willie Hernández won the AL MVP Award in 1984; one of four Tigers pitcher to win it in franchise history.

September 16, 1985: Mike Moore Accomplishment

September 16, 1985 was the last time a Mariners hurler, Mike Moore, accomplished the bases-loaded, no-outs accomplishment before Justin Verlander.

1986: Roger Clemens' AL MVP Award

Roger Clemens won the AL MVP Award in 1986, the last starting pitcher to win it before Justin Verlander in 2011.

1991: Bill Gullickson's Accomplishment

Bill Gullickson was the last Tiger, in 1991, to win 20 games before Justin Verlander achieved the same in 2011.

1992: Dennis Eckersley's AL MVP Award

Dennis Eckersley won the AL MVP Award in 1992, the last pitcher to win it before Justin Verlander in 2011.

May 17, 2002: Struck Out a Then-School Record 17 Batters

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's Accomplishment

Curt Schilling, in 2002, was the last Major League pitcher to reach 20 wins before the end of August, prior to Justin Verlander doing so in 2011.

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: 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: School Single-Season Record with 139 Strikeouts

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

2003: Verlander wins silver medal at 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 with Detroit Tigers

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

2004: CAA Record with 151 Strikeouts

In 2004, Justin Verlander broke his own record and established a new Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record with 151 strikeouts while playing for Old Dominion University.

2004: ODU Male Athlete of the Year

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.

2004: Drafted by 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, going 0–2 with a 7.15 ERA in his only two starts of the season.

2005: MLB Debut with Tigers

In 2005, Justin Verlander made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers and played for 12 years.

2005: Professional Debut

In 2005, Justin Verlander made his professional debut, playing for the Lakeland Flying Tigers (High-A) and the Erie SeaWolves (Double-A).

2005: First Mud Hens Appearance

On May 31, Justin Verlander was sent to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens for a rehab assignment in 2015. This marked his first time pitching for the Mud Hens, having gone straight from Double-A to the major leagues in 2005.

July 4, 2006: Three Tigers Pitchers Throw 100+ mph Fastballs

On July 4, 2006, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Fernando Rodney each threw multiple fastballs over 100 mph during a game against Oakland, marking the first time in MLB history that three pitchers on the same team had done so.

2006: AL Pennant

In 2006, Justin Verlander played a key role in the Detroit Tigers winning the AL Pennant.

2006: AL Rookie of the Year

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

2006: Lowest Strikeout Rate Since Rookie Season

In 2014, Justin Verlander finished the season with his lowest strikeout rate since his 2006 rookie season, with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate.

2006: Pitch Count Since Rookie Season

In 2015, it was noted that Justin Verlander has 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.

2007: Continued Success in 2007

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

2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park

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

2008: Led MLB in Losses

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

2008: Reference to 2008 Season

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

2008: End of All-Star Streak

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

July 24, 2009: Escaped Bases-Loaded, No-Outs 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 a 19–9 record, an ERA of 3.45 and an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts and finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

2009: Strikeout Rate Comparison

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

2010: Contract Extension and Season Performance

In 2010, Justin Verlander and the Tigers reached a deal for a five-year, $80 million contract extension. He finished the season with an 18–9 record and a 3.37 ERA while fanning 219 batters in 224+1⁄3 innings.

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. He would later win his first ERA title since then in 2022.

2011: Most Successful Season

In 2011, Justin Verlander produced his most successful season, including his second career no-hitter versus the Toronto Blue Jays, winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award unanimously, the AL MVP Award, and the Sporting News Player of the Year Award.

2011: Awards and Video Game Cover

In 2011, Justin Verlander received multiple awards and was named the cover athlete of Major League Baseball 2K12.

2011: AL Central Division Championship

In 2011, Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers winning one of four consecutive AL Central division championships (2011–2014).

2011: AL Cy Young and MVP Awards

In 2011, Justin Verlander won both the AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award. He was the first pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992.

2011: Won Triple Crown of Pitching

In 2011, Justin Verlander won the Triple Crown of pitching in the AL, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.

May 18, 2012: One-Hitter Against 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, recording his first career complete-game one-hitter.

2012: Cy Young Award Runner-Up

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award. He finished second in the voting to Rick Porcello by a narrow margin, receiving 14 first-place votes but being left off two ballots. This was the second-closest vote in history, compared to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost.

2012: ALCS Game 3 Win

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 scoreless through eight innings, allowing only two hits, before giving up a leadoff home run in the ninth to Eduardo Núñez. Between the first inning of Game 1 in the ALDS and the ninth inning of Game 3 in the ALCS, Verlander recorded 24 consecutive scoreless postseason innings.

2012: World Series Game 1 Performance

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

2012: All-Star Game Appearance and Season Performance

In 2012, Justin Verlander was named to the American League All-Star team as the starting pitcher. At the All-Star break, he had a 9–5 record with a 2.58 ERA, leading the AL in innings pitched (132+2⁄3), strikeouts (128), and complete games (five). During the All-Star game, he pitched one inning and allowed five runs. He finished the regular season with a 17–8 record, ranking first in the AL in innings pitched (238+1⁄3), strikeouts (239), and complete games (six), and second in ERA (2.64).

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

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

2013: ALDS Games 2 and 5 Performances

During the 2013 ALDS, Justin Verlander struck out eleven Oakland Athletics hitters in seven shutout innings in Game 2, although the Tigers lost the game 1–0. In Game 5, he pitched eight shutout innings with ten strikeouts in a 3–0 victory, carrying a no-hitter into the 7th inning. This win sent the Tigers to the American League Championship Series for the third consecutive year.

2013: Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2013, Justin Verlander was recognized as one of the first recipients of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for his contributions to military veterans.

2013: All-Star Selection

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

2013: ALCS Elimination and Postseason Stats

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox eliminated the Tigers in six ALCS games. During the 2013 postseason, Justin Verlander had a 1–1 record with a 0.39 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. In two of his starts, the Tigers did not score any runs.

2013: Verlander's record-tying achievement in the 2013 ALCS

In Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS, Justin Verlander struck out six consecutive hitters, matching a postseason record. He later repeated this achievement in Game 1 of the 2022 ALCS.

2013: 2013 Season Performance

Justin Verlander finished the 2013 regular season with a 13–12 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 217 strikeouts. His 218+1⁄3 innings pitched were his lowest total since the 2008 season.

2013: Contract Extension with the Tigers

Prior to the 2013 season, Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a seven-year, $180 million contract, which 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 he might miss Opening Day as a result of the surgery.

February 2014: Recovery and Training Camp

In February 2014, Justin Verlander recovered in time for pitchers and catchers to report to training camp after undergoing core muscle surgery in January.

2014: AL Central Division Championship

In 2014, Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers winning one of four consecutive AL Central division championships (2011–2014).

2014: Started dating Kate Upton/iCloud leaks

In early 2014, Justin Verlander began dating model-actress Kate Upton. Also in 2014, personal pictures of Verlander, including nude pictures of himself and Upton, were leaked online as part of the iCloud leaks of celebrity photos.

2014: First Half Struggles

In the first half of 2014, Justin Verlander struggled, with his strikeouts decreasing to 6.8 per nine innings, compared to an average of 9.2 over the previous five years. His ERA and WHIP were elevated to 4.71 and 1.49, respectively. Verlander was not named to the AL All-Star team, ending a streak of five straight appearances since 2008.

2014: Second Half Improvement

In the second half of 2014, Justin Verlander's season ERA and WHIP improved to 4.54 and 1.398, respectively. He finished with a 15–12 record, winning his final three decisions, and the Tigers won 6 of his last 8 starts. However, his strikeout rate remained low, finishing with 159 strikeouts and a 6.9 K/9 IP rate, both the lowest since his 2006 rookie season.

2015: Disabled List and Opening Day Streak Ends

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.

2015: Near No-Hitter and Season Stats

On August 26, 2015, Justin Verlander came within three outs of his third career no-hitter before allowing a double to Chris Iannetta. He finished the game with one hit, two walks, and nine strikeouts in a 5–0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. He ended the season with a 5–8 record in 20 starts, but his stats showed improvement with a 3.38 ERA and 1.088 WHIP.

2016: Strikeout Milestones and All-Star Break

In 2016, Justin Verlander achieved significant strikeout milestones, surpassing Jack Morris for second place on the Tigers' all-time strikeout list on May 8 with his 1,981st strikeout. On May 18, he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout. By the All-Star break, Verlander had an 8–6 record, a 4.07 ERA, and 120 strikeouts.

2016: Engagement to Kate Upton

In 2016, Justin Verlander and model-actress Kate Upton got engaged.

2016: Season Achievements

Justin Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16–9 record and led the American League with 254 strikeouts, marking the fourth time in his career he achieved this. He also led 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, and his 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record.

2016: AL Pitcher of the Month for July

Justin Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July 2016. During that month, he had a 4-0 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 48 strikeouts in 42+2⁄3 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .171 average.

April 4, 2017: Franchise Record for Strikeouts on Opening Day

On April 4, 2017, Justin Verlander tied a franchise record for the most strikeouts on Opening Day with ten.

June 23, 2017: Ben Verlander released by Tigers

On June 23, 2017, Justin Verlander's younger brother, Ben, was released from the Tigers organization, where he played as an outfielder. He then transitioned to working as a sportswriter and analyst.

November 4, 2017: Marriage to Kate Upton

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

2017: Traded to Astros and World Series Win

Before the 2017 trade deadline, the Tigers traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros. He was named AL Championship Series MVP, and was co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award as the Astros won the 2017 World Series.

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. This marked his 10th career opening day start and his first with the Astros.

July 14, 2018: Pregnancy announcement

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

2018: 200 Career Wins

In 2018, Justin Verlander became the 114th pitcher in major league history to earn 200 career wins, also becoming the 20th-fastest to reach the milestone (427 starts).

2018: Recovery from Surgery

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

November 12, 2019: Verlander wins second Cy Young Award

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

2019: Third No-Hitter and 3,000 Strikeouts

In 2019, Justin Verlander became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to throw three career no-hitters, and the 18th to strike out 3,000 batters.

2019: First 300-Strikeout Season and Second Cy Young Award

In 2019, Justin Verlander had his first career 300-strikeout season and won his second Cy Young award while leading the Astros to their second pennant in three seasons.

2019: Contract Vesting Option

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

March 17, 2020: Verlander undergoes 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 that the MLB season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. This was the Astros' eighth straight win on Opening Day.

July 26, 2020: Verlander Shut Down with Forearm Strain

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

September 30, 2020: Verlander Undergoes 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.

2020: Contract Vesting Option

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

2020: Tommy John Surgery

In 2020, Justin Verlander suffered an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for 2020 and 2021.

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, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season.

December 13, 2021: Verlander signs one-year contract with Astros

On December 13, 2021, Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract with the Houston Astros, which included an option for a second season, marking his return to the team.

2021: Sidelined Due to Injury

In 2021, Justin Verlander was sidelined due to an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery.

April 9, 2022: Verlander Returns to the Mound

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

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

On August 23, 2022, Justin Verlander threw six hitless innings and struck out ten batters in a 4–2 win against the Minnesota Twins. In doing so, Verlander passed Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list and overtook Max Scherzer again as the active career leader in strikeouts.

December 7, 2022: Verlander signs with the New York Mets

On December 7, 2022, Justin Verlander signed a 2-year, $86.7 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $35 million vesting option for 2025. The contract matched the record for the highest average annual value (AAV) in MLB history.

2022: Verlander's performance in the 2022 ALCS and World Series

During the 2022 ALCS, Justin Verlander struck out eleven over six innings in Game 1, setting a major league record for his eighth double-digit strikeout effort in the postseason. He then secured his first career World Series win in Game 5 against the Phillies, contributing to the Astros' victory in six games and earning his second World Series ring.

2022: Verlander Concludes 2022 Season

In 2022, Justin Verlander concluded his season with an 18–4 record, 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts in 175 innings pitched. He led all the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP (0.829), and BAA (.186) while leading the American League in wins.

2022: Second World Championship and Third Cy Young Award

In 2022, Justin Verlander returned from injury to win 18 games and lead the Astros to their second World championship. He received his third Cy Young Award that offseason.

May 4, 2023: Verlander activated from injured list, debuts for Mets

On May 4, 2023, Justin Verlander was activated from the injured list by the Mets, making his debut for the team against his former team, the Detroit Tigers.

May 10, 2023: Verlander defeats all 30 teams

On May 10, 2023, Justin Verlander struck out seven hitters over seven innings in a 2–1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the 21st Major League pitcher to defeat all 30 teams.

July 30, 2023: Verlander earns his 250th major league win

On July 30, 2023, Justin Verlander achieved his 250th major league win, becoming the 49th pitcher to do so, in the Mets' 5–2 victory over the Washington Nationals.

August 1, 2023: Verlander traded back to the Astros

On August 1, 2023, Justin Verlander was traded by the Mets back to the Astros for outfield prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, along with cash considerations.

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, reaching 3,372 career strikeouts during a 6–3 victory over the Oakland Athletics. This victory also marked his 260th career win, the most of any pitcher who debuted in the 21st century.

August 21, 2024: Verlander returns from injured list

On August 21, 2024, Justin Verlander returned from the injured list at home in a game against the Boston Red Sox which the Astros lost 4-1. Verlander allowed two runs over five innings and struck out six.

2024: Verlander starts 2024 on injured list, debuts in April

Justin Verlander began the 2024 season on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. He made his debut on April 19, 2024, helping the Astros win against the Washington Nationals and passing Phil Niekro for 12th on the all-time strikeout list.