Justin Verlander's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Justin Verlander.

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

1905: Past Record

In 2013, Justin Verlander has thrown 30 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason against the Athletics, 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: Past Record

1965: Historical Comparison

In 2013, Justin Verlander is 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: Strikeout Record Comparison

In 2016, Justin Verlander's 4.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career-best and a Tiger record for a season, eclipsing the 4.44 mark set by Denny McLain in the 1968 season.

1970: Opening Day Record

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.

1973: Verlander Awarded 10th Career AL Player of the Week Award

On September 30, 2023, Verlander was awarded his 10th career AL Player of the Week award for the week of September 25 to October 1, becoming the fourth pitcher to win as many as 10 times since the award was established in 1973.

1986: Tied Astros franchise record

On October 4, Verlander authored a 10-strikeout, no-hit performance over five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. In that game, he tied Jim Deshaies' 1986 Astros franchise record of eight consecutive strikeouts.

2000: Lowest ERA Since 2000

In 2022, Justin Verlander's ERA was the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the American League (excluding 2020) since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000.

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.

2003: Won 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.

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.

July 4, 2006: Multiple 100+ mph Fastballs

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

2006: AL Pennant with Tigers

In 2006, Justin Verlander was a key figure as the Detroit Tigers won an AL Pennant.

2006: AL Rookie of the Year

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

2006: Pitch Count Since Rookie Season

In 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.

2007: First No-Hitter at Comerica Park

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

2007: No-Hitter Against Milwaukee Brewers

In 2007, Justin Verlander recorded a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, striking out twelve and walking four while throwing a fastball 102 mph (164 km/h).

2008: Velocity Over 100+ mph in Late Innings

Since 2008, Justin Verlander has thrown pitches of over 100+ mph in the 8th inning or later 44 times, which is 39 more times than James Paxton who is second on the list.

2009: Led AL 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 Comparison

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.

2009: Finished Season

Justin Verlander finished the 2009 season with a 19–9 record, an ERA of 3.45 and an MLB-leading 269 strikeouts, the most by a Tiger since Mickey Lolich's 308 in 1971, while his 10.1/9 IP strikeout rate led all American League starters. His 19 wins led the majors this season. Verlander finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting behind winner Zack Greinke and runner-up Félix Hernández.

2009: Led League in Innings Pitched and Strikeouts

Justin Verlander has led the league in innings pitched in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2019. He was also the American League strikeout champion in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018, leading all of major league baseball in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

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: Triple Crown

By the end of the 2011 season, 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: Pitching Triple Crown, Cy Young, MVP, and Sporting News Player of the Year

In 2011, Justin Verlander produced his most successful season, 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 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. Justin Verlander was also named the cover athlete of "Major League Baseball 2K12".

2011: Won first ERA title since 2011 MVP campaign

In 2022, Justin Verlander won his first ERA title since his 2011 MVP campaign.

2011: Led League in Innings Pitched and Strikeouts

2011: AL Central Division Championship

Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers' four consecutive AL Central division championships from 2011 to 2014.

2011: AL Cy Young and MVP Awards

Justin Verlander won both the 2011 AL Cy Young Award and the AL MVP Award, becoming the first pitcher to claim an AL MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first starting pitcher to do so since Roger Clemens in 1986.

2012: Cy Young Award Runner-Up

Following the 2016 season, Justin Verlander was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, ultimately finishing second in voting to Rick Porcello. The vote was the second-closest in history (to the 2012 AL Cy Young race Verlander lost).

2012: ALCS Appearance

In 2012, Justin Verlander made his only appearance in the ALCS in Game 3 against the New York Yankees. He earned a 2–1 win, allowing one run in the ninth inning, recording 24 consecutive scoreless postseason innings in between.

2012: World Series Game 1

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: AL Pennant with Tigers

In 2012, Justin Verlander was a key figure as the Detroit Tigers won an AL Pennant.

2012: All-Star Selection and Regular Season Performance

In 2012, Justin Verlander was named to the American League All-Star team, as the starting pitcher. He had a 9–5 record and a 2.58 ERA at the All-Star break, leading the AL in innings pitched, strikeouts, and complete games. However, he gave up five runs in one inning in the All-Star game. He finished the 2012 regular season with a 17–8 record, ranking first in the AL in innings pitched, strikeouts, and complete games, and second in ERA.

2012: Led League in Innings Pitched and Strikeouts

2013: ALDS Performance

In 2013, Justin Verlander struck out eleven Oakland Athletics hitters in Game 2 of the ALDS. In Game 5 of the series, Verlander pitched eight shutout innings with ten strikeouts, taking a no-hitter into the 7th inning. The win sent the Tigers to the American League Championship Series for the third consecutive year.

2013: All-Star Selection

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

2013: Honored with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2013, for his work with military veterans, Justin Verlander was honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.

2013: Tied Postseason Record

In Game 1 of the 2022 ALCS, Verlander struck out a postseason record-tying six consecutive hitters, repeating an achievement of his in Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS.

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: Velocity Soared

After a couple of injury-prone seasons, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 in his 2017 campaign, 4 miles per hour faster than his average in 2014 (91.2).

2014: Second Half Improvement

In 2014, Justin Verlander improved in the second half, lowering his ERA and WHIP. He finished the season with a 15–12 record. He mentioned in 2018 that he had not fully recovered from the core surgery during the 2014 season, contributing to production inferior to his career norms.

2014: AL Central Division Championship

Justin Verlander was a key figure in the Detroit Tigers' four consecutive AL Central division championships from 2011 to 2014.

2015: Velocity Soared

After a couple of injury-prone seasons, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 in his 2017 campaign, three miles per hour faster than his average in 2015 (92.3).

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. He finished the game with one hit, two walks, and nine strikeouts. Verlander finished 2015 with a 5–8 record but improved stats compared to the previous season, including a 3.38 ERA and 1.088 WHIP.

2016: Strikeout Milestones

In 2016, Justin Verlander recorded his 1,981st strikeout, surpassing Jack Morris for second place on the Tigers' all-time strikeout list. On May 18, Verlander reached his 2,000th career strikeout. He entered the 2016 All-Star break with an 8–6 record.

2016: AL Pitcher of the Month

In July 2016, Justin Verlander was named the American League Pitcher of the Month, after going 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA. On September 27, Verlander struck out 12 batters, marking a career-high eight games with 10 or more strikeouts this season.

2016: Season Achievements

Justin Verlander finished the 2016 season with a 16–9 record and led the American League with 254 strikeouts. His 1.00 WHIP also ranked first in the AL, and his 3.04 ERA ranked second. His strikeout rate of 10.0 per 9 IP was the second-best of his career.

2016: American League Strikeout Champion

Justin Verlander was the American League strikeout champion in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018.

April 4, 2017: Opening Day Strikeouts

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.

2017: Traded to Astros and World Series Win

Before the 2017 trade deadline, Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros, going undefeated in his first five starts. He was named AL Championship Series MVP and co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award as the Astros won the 2017 World Series.

2017: Velocity Soared

In his 2017 campaign, Justin Verlander's velocity soared back up to an average of 95.3 miles per hour.

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: American League Strikeout Champion

Justin Verlander was the American League strikeout champion in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018.

November 12, 2019: Won Second Cy Young Award

On November 12, 2019, Justin Verlander won his second Cy Young Award with 171 points and 17 first-place votes, leading over his teammate Gerrit Cole. This marked his first Cy Young Award win while playing for the Houston Astros.

2019: 3,000 Strikeouts and Third No-Hitter

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: 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: Led League in Innings Pitched

Justin Verlander has led the league in innings pitched in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2019.

2020: Lowest ERA Since 2000

In 2022, Justin Verlander's ERA was the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the American League (excluding 2020) since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 mark in 2000.

2021: Matched Record for Highest AAV in MLB History

On December 7, 2022, Justin Verlander signed a two-year contract with the New York Mets that matched the record for highest Average Annual Value (AAV) in MLB history with teammate Max Scherzer's contract signed during the 2021–22 offseason.

April 9, 2022: Return 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. Verlander struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings in the 2-0 loss.

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

On August 23, 2022, Verlander threw six hitless innings and struck out ten batters in a 4–2 win against the Minnesota Twins, passing Pedro Martínez on the all-time strikeout list.

2022: Third Cy Young and Second World Championship

In 2022, Justin Verlander returned, winning 18 games with a sub-2.00 ERA, leading the Astros to their second World championship. He received his third Cy Young Award that offseason.

2022: Won First World Series Ring

In 2022, the Astros defeated the Phillies in six games giving Verlander his second World Series ring after Verlander won his first career World Series win in Game 5.

2022: Verlander's 2022 Campaign

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