Justin Verlander Explains 'Pretty Easy' Decision to Retire After 21 Seasons
The future Hall of Fame pitcher cited injuries and a desire to spend more time with family as key factors in his retirement.
Justin Verlander stated that his decision to retire after 21 Major League Baseball seasons was "pretty easy." The future Hall of Fame right-hander's career concluded after he was sidelined by injuries during his final season.
Verlander, 43, began the season with the Tigers but was placed on the injured list on March 30 with left hip inflammation, appearing in only one game. Later, in June, he suffered a left hamstring strain during a bullpen session, which ultimately ended his season and career.
"My entire career, man, I love this game. I love giving everything I got. I’m gonna play until the wheels fall off. The wheel falls off in the first game," Verlander told the MLB on Fox crew. "Then a couple [of] months later, the wheel’s still falling off."
Beyond the physical setbacks, Verlander also cited the desire to spend more time with his family, including his wife Kate Upton and their two children. "My daughter comes up. My family comes up. I mean, this is pretty sweet here, hanging out with them," he said. "It just made it pretty clear. The arm held up great. It always has. But the leg man gave out on me."
Despite the injuries, Verlander made a concerted effort to return for a final appearance. He acknowledged he was "skipping a lot of steps, risking some serious injury potentially" to get back on the mound.
His final start on Sept. 26 against the Pirates saw him pitch 5 ⅓ innings, allowing two runs on five hits and walks with six strikeouts. The moment was emotional, with his daughter Genevieve joining Tigers manager A.J. Hinch to take him out of the game. Verlander received a ceremonial first pitch from his daughter.
Verlander concluded his distinguished career with a record of 266-159, 3,560 strikeouts (eighth all-time), and a 3.33 earned run average. He also earned a pitching Triple Crown in 2011.