Justin Verlander, the legendary pitcher who played an astounding 21 seasons across four different teams, has finally retired at 43 years old.
Justin Verlander's 1st MLB Strikeout vs. Final MLB Strikeout. pic.twitter.com/UmnOBNqzWH
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 26, 2026
Justin Verlander's ending was one for the ages. Had to add the moneyball music, because how in the heck can you not be romantic about baseball after something like that? pic.twitter.com/l26CZrDb8g
— Sean Murphy (@seanhalfcourt) September 26, 2026
People say they want old-school? Well, the ump expanding the zone on 3-2 in a legendary pitcher's final game when the opponent is out of challenges is as old-school as it gets.
— The Twins Almanac (@TwinsAlmanac) September 26, 2026
Completely unironically, how can you not be romantic about baseball? pic.twitter.com/hxplRtHreK
An emotional Verlander departed the field as a player for the final time accompanied by his nine-year-old daughter and to a thunderous applause for the Detroit crowd.
Justin Verlander says goodbye to his teammates
— MLB (@MLB) September 26, 2026
And then holds his daughter’s hand as he leaves the mound 🥹 pic.twitter.com/huyCnsijTR
Justin Verlander’s career started with Detroit in 2005 and ends there 21 years later.
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) September 26, 2026
3 Cy Youngs.
1 MVP.
3 no-hitters.
2 World Series rings.
And his daughter greeting him on the mound for the final visit is probably the part he’ll remember most.pic.twitter.com/0fGVG8K3eZ
Justin Verlander was completely surprised by his daughter on the mound. He cried so hard he had to tell her he was happy to see her.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 26, 2026
"It hit me like a ton of bricks," he said. "I was sobbing." pic.twitter.com/eIMR7ltXUq
Verlander has had one of the most storied pitching careers in professional baseball history, hanging up his cleats as a 10-time all-star, two-time World Series champion, three-time Cy Young winner, the 2011 pitching Triple Crown, and the 2006 Rookie of the Year. He pitched three no-hitters across his 21 seasons.
Although he retired as a Detroit Tiger, Verlander played for the San Francisco Giants, the New York Mets, and the Houston Astros, where he won both of his World Series titles.
