Justin Verlander’s Final Mound Visit Became a Father-Daughter Farewell
His seven-year-old daughter Genevieve ran to embrace him during his last major league start in Detroit.
On Saturday, September 26, Justin Verlander returned to the Detroit Tigers mound for the last start of his 21-season major league career. The most memorable moment came when his seven-year-old daughter, Genevieve, ran out to meet him.
After the first out of the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, manager A.J. Hinch came out of the dugout and signaled toward the stands. Genevieve, wearing a Tigers jersey bearing her father’s name and number, sprinted across the field. Verlander bent down to hug her. He then walked off hand in hand with her as the Comerica Park crowd rose to applaud.
The scene brought a family touch to a homecoming years in the making. Detroit drafted Verlander in 2004, and he made his major league debut with the Tigers the following year. He returned to the club this season knowing he wanted his final appearance to be where his career began. On Friday, Genevieve had thrown a ceremonial first pitch to her father during a celebration of his career.
Verlander pitched 5⅓ innings on Saturday, allowing two runs and striking out six. Detroit went on to beat Pittsburgh 4–3. Yet the lasting image of his last mound visit was simpler than any statistic: a father and daughter leaving the field together.
- Justin Verlander
- Detroit Tigers
- Baseball
- Family
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