DETROIT – It’s the end of an era as Detroit Tigers legend Justin Verlander is hanging up his cleats.
Verlander is preparing for his final game with the Tigers this weekend, ending a career that spanned more than two decades and included 14 seasons in Detroit.
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The Tigers are rolling out the red carpet for Verlander with special fan experiences and ceremonies throughout the weekend.
Rookie of the Year.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 25, 2026
MVP.
3x Cy Young. 3 no-hitters.
10x All-Star.
2x World Series Champion.
3,554 K. 3.33 ERA. 266 W.
JV means so much more to Detroit than the numbers. pic.twitter.com/reKBHyTSo0
The first 15,000 fans through the gates on Friday (Sept. 25) will receive a Verlander bobblehead, while the first 15,000 fans on Saturday, during his final start in Major League Baseball, will receive a long-sleeved hooded jersey.
Verlander, who has won two World Series championships with the Houston Astros, spoke emotionally ahead of his final game inside Comerica Park.
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel,” Verlander said. “I’m quite emotional, so I’m sorry if I struggle to get through this a little bit.”
Verlander thanked his current and former teammates, coaches, support staff, and the Ilitch family for their roles throughout his career.
He also reflected on his early days with the Tigers and the impact former manager Jim Leyland had on his career and A.J. Hinch.
“When I first came here to Detroit, I was such a young man, and I’m so thankful for the guidance of Jim Leland, the skipper,” Verlander said. “Now that I have more perspective, I consider myself so fortunate to have had Jim as my first manager in the major leagues.”
Verlander also remembered Tigers icon Al Kaline, calling him an icon of the city and organization and “a wonderful friend.”
The pitcher reserved his most personal thanks for his family and the Tigers fans.
“To Kate, Genevieve, and Bellamy, I’m so grateful for your love and support,” Verlander said. “Life for me was just about baseball for the longest time. You guys showed me that there’s so much more to life.”
Verlander said he always hoped he would have the opportunity to return to Detroit and finish his career where it began.
“To all the fans, I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart,” Verlander said. “We’ve been through a lot over the years. I always hoped I’d get the chance to come back here to Detroit to finish my career where it all started.”
Verlander acknowledged that his final season did not go as he had hoped, but said the support from Tigers fans helped him through a difficult year.
“That love and support has solidified to me that I am and always will be a Detroit Tiger,” Verlander said.
As Verlander prepares to take the mound one final time in Detroit, the Tigers and their fans will have the weekend to celebrate one of the most accomplished pitchers in franchise history.
Verlander, 43, reunited with the Tigers this season after signing a one-year free-agent contract.
He made one start before landing on the injured list due to left hip inflammation.
The Tigers placed Verlander on the injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1.
Saturday’s start will be his second start of the season and his last as a Tiger, as he will take the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with first pitch slated for 1:10 p.m.
