Justin Verlander
A tall, lanky right-hander who starred for Old Dominion in college, Justin Verlander emerged in 2006 as the young ace of the Detroit staff. Armed with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball, a sharp curveball, and poise beyond his years, Verlander won 17 games and was named American League Rookie of the Year. He started and lost Game One of the 2006 World Series against the Cardinals at Detroit. In 2007, he baffled the Brewers with his devastating repertoire of pitches and tossed a no-hitter on June 12.
Quotes About Verlander
"One of the best arms on a starting pitcher I've seen. Ever. And I've been around a long time. You don't see too many guys throwing 100 mph." � Paul Byrd
"I don't know how else to describe it. A guy throwing 100 mph in the ninth inning with a no-hitter, I've never seen that before." ¡ Milwaukee pitcher Dave Bush, after Justin Verlander no-hit the Brewers on June 12, 2007
Quotes From Verlander
"I know on most given days, if I throw what I need to throw, I'll be satisfied. I'm not looking for numbers. I'm looking for what I need to do, locate my fastball and throw my offspeed stuff for strikes."
Born
Justin B. Verlander was born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, VA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: DET
College: Old Dominion
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 2005
Cory Sullivan
Tadahito Iguchi
Robinson Cano
Dan Johnson
Jeff Francoeur
Brad Eldred
Mark Teahan
Huston Street
Bobby Jenks
Related Players
One of Verlander's idols growing up was Nolan Ryan. When he tossed his no-hitter in 2007, it was the first pitched in Detroit since Ryan no-hit the Tigers in 1973... Verlander teamed with Jeremy Bonderman as one of the best young starting duos in baseball.
No-Hitter
6/12/2007: For DET (A) vs. MIL (A), 4-0 at DET. 9 innings pitched.
Feats
On June 12, 2007, when he tossed his no-hit gem, Verlander set a career-high when he struck out 12 Brewers. He fanned Tony Graffanino four times and Geoff Jenkins three times. He allowed just three balls to be hit out of the infield.
Notes
Through June 22, 2008, Verlander was 8-0 in inter-league play.
Best Strength as a Player
Command of his pitches
Learn More about Justin Verlander
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