DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have a big game Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, who are one game ahead of the Tigers in the race for the final American League wildcard spot.
But before Tigers ace Justin Verlander went to the park, he put baseball aside for something more important.
"I started my charity two years ago," Verlander said. "It started when I made it to major leagues. I would go out of my way to thank them for their service. Luckily I've gotten to the point in my career where I can give back."
Verlander gives back through Wins For Warriors, the charity he started in 2013. The charity is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well being of veterans.
Verlander's charity announced Friday that it will hold a festival and race in downtown Detroit in partnership with Fifth Third Bank. The event will be held Nov. 6
"Come downtown. Run for a vet," Verlander said. "Come to support. Just come downtown to have fun. It will be a great day."
The race is being called the "4-Star, 4-Mile Race." It will kick off at exactly the same time as the Veteran's Day Parade.
"All of the money goes to metro vets and Wins For Warriors," said Jack Riley, senior vice president of Fifth Third Bank. "We are underwriting the cost, so all the money will go to vets."
Veterans are thankful for Verlander's support.
"I'm always grateful when someone uses their celebrity to help, especially veterans," U.S. Army Brigadier General David Basset said.
Verland said he's grateful for their service.
"I know I wouldn’t be here playing this game if those men and women weren’t protecting our freedoms," he said.
Verlander said he'll think about running in the event himself. But for now, he's more worried about his arm and helping the Tigers get into the postseason. His next start will be Saturday against the Orioles.