The tributes will begin pouring in. For the countless windups on the mound, Justin Verlander’s brilliant pitching career is about to wind down. No official game date is set and currently JV sits inactive on the 60 day IL, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make one last trip to the mound, even if it’s an abbreviated bullpen appearance.
In five years, he’ll be a first ballot Hall of Famer. The question is should the Astros “jump” Cooperstown and even the Detroit Tigers and retire #35 first? How fitting
would a ceremony be next month during the Astros opening round? One lasting feel good moment before impending labor doom takes center stage.
If you’re like me, it doesn’t matter where you were when learning of Verlander’s arrival to H-Town. I was at Katy Mills in the center of the food court on a carousel ride with my wife when news broke. For many, the Astros maneuvering resembled that of a carousel, the final minutes of negotiating prior to the deadline on August 31st, 2017 was the stuff of a Hollywood blockbuster.
Verlander wouldn’t waste any time. Upon debuting, he’d dazzle with a perfect 5-0 mark in September.
A few weeks later, the first Championship would come and over portions of seven seasons, his presence in the clubhouse was palpable.
The Houston years were magical. Verlander’s two championship rings came here, as did two of his three Cy Young’s. There were All-Star appearances, and of course that ALCS MVP hardware.
When I reflect on Verlander, the first image is ironically one of stunned disbelief on his face. It’s the second pitch of Game 5’s 2022 series against the Phillies and Kyle Schwarber has left the yard. The struggles would continue on that night, issuing four walks and at times laboring, but when it was over Verlander persevered and earned his first WS victory. In many ways, it was the biggest of the 73 he’d accumulate as an Astro.
Father Time is undefeated, of course. Before Verlander rides off into the sunset, let’s salute and raise him into the rafters at Daikin. That 35 will look real good next to Nolan’s 34.
