By Danny Gladstone
Everyone who is a fan of sports usually has a favorite player. This is not different for me; my favorite player is Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers! Justin Verlander is the “ace” of the Tigers pitching staff and one of the best pitchers in the league today.
Verlander first started getting noticed by major league scouts when he was at Goochland High School. When he was 13 years of age he was hitting 86 miles per hour, and once his father Richard recommended a Baseball academy, by the end of the academy Verlander was now topping out at 93 miles per hour! Verlanders high school year was very successful but he came down with strep throat in his senior year and ended up only hitting 86 miles per hour, which scared away lots of scouts.
Those scouts who got scared away must’ve felt bad when Verlander went to Old Dominion University. Sure the wins and losses don’t show it, but Verlander had an amazing ERA, and was getting over 1 strikeout per inning on average. The reason there is no 2005 stats in because Verlander was drafted as the second overall pick of the 2005 draft by the Detroit Tigers and signed with them to start a professional career!
In 2005 Verlander started off in single-a Lakeland, but quickly made it to double-a Erie, but by the end of the year was playing at the major league level for the Detroit Tigers. It didn’t go well, but promise was shown for the upcoming season.
So as we get into the 2006 season, Verlander was given the #5 spot in the rotation, but he sure was a strong #5 then!
So as a first full year pitcher, Verlander was awarded American League Rookie of the Year, starting 30 games and led the Tigers to the playoffs! This sure would’ve been hard to have a better year than this 2006 year, but Verlander wouldn’t disappoint!
Verlander had even a better second full season, and within this amazing season, it only got better when he delivered the first no-hitter in Tigers history since Jack Morris back in the 1980’s. He gave up 4 walks (all to Bill Hall) and struck out 12 guys as the Milwaukee Brewers were stumped the whole game!
The 2008 season turned out as a major disappointment however, being that Verlander never found a constant groove. Verlander had his lowest win total, most losses and highest ERA in his career to date. However, he never quit trying, and should be in store for a bounce back season is 2009!
Off of the statistical charts and onto why I think Justin Verlander is one of the best pitchers in the league! For starters, He can throw 100 miles per hour on regularity and has done so as late as the ninth inning. Also he has some of the best pitches in the league, he has a devastating curve ball and his fastball is amazing. I had the privilege is 2007 to watch Verlander pitch 3 times during the season, and was in awe every time I watched him pitch. He never looses his composure, and always gives him team a chance to win the game on the day he pitches!
Justin Verlander’s Best Baseball Cards
So you are all probably wondering what are some of Justin Verlanders most thought after Baseball cards.
5. 2005 Bowman Sterling Justin Verlander RC Auto/Jsy
This is a must have for any Verlander collector!
4. 2006 Topps ’52 Justin Verlander Red Signatures SP RC Auto
This is extremely hard to find, and the value doesn’t fall!
3. 2005 Bowman Chrome Justin Verlander Draft Gold Refractor Auto
There are only 50 of this card made, and the value always is going up!
2. 2005 SP Authentic Justin Verlander Auto
When Verlander is at his best, this card’s value is in high demand
1. 2005 Bowman Chrome Justin Verlander Draft Super Refractor Auto 1/1
Of course all 1/1’s drive the value up, but bowman’s super refractors are always the most sought after, and this is no exception!
Justin Verlander Best Value Baseball Card
The 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Super Refractor Auto 1/1 also has the best value as of today out of any Justin Verlander card on the market!
These are all examples and reasons why Justin Verlander is my favorite pitcher and one of the best pitchers in the majors to date!
