Justin Verlander’s retirement from Major League Baseball was marked by an emotional family moment when his seven-year-old daughter, Genevieve, ran on to the field during his final game for the Detroit Tigers.
The 43-year-old pitcher made his last appearance at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, September 26, with his wife, Kate Upton, and their family in attendance.
Genevieve was brought on to the field during the sixth inning, catching her father completely by surprise.
Justin Verlander was ‘blindsided’ by daughter’s appearance
“The way it went, with Genevieve running out, I mean, I had no clue [it was going to happen],” Verlander said after the game. “I was totally blindsided, and it hit me like a ton of bricks.”
He added: “That was amazing. I was sobbing and I had to tell her, just to make sure she understood, I was happy. She’s never seen me cry like that.”
Reflecting on his career, Verlander said: “I’ve been a baseball player since I was five years old. I mean, I gave everything for this. I left home. She’s in school, and I wasn’t there.”
“There’s just a level of commitment it takes to be great at something, you know? And I hope she understands,” he said. “She means the world to me. My family means the world to me. And I’m just so happy that I get the opportunity to make up for lost time.”
Verlander’s family had also joined him at Comerica Park the previous day for a career celebration ceremony. Upton brought Genevieve and their son, Bellamy, to the event on Friday, September 25.
