Tigers' emotional Justin Verlander leaves final career start to hugs - ESPN

DETROIT — Justin Verlander had just retired the leadoff batter in the sixth inning of his major league finale when Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch walked from the dugout toward home plate. The pitcher's 7-year-old daughter suddenly sprinted to the mound.

«That completely blindsided me, and it hit me like a ton of bricks,» Verlander said.

A stellar career for the 43-year-old right-hander ended with a 4-3, come-from-behind win against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Verlander's emotions will be remembered far more than the score in a meaningless game on the next-to-last day of his 21st big league season.

«That was amazing. I was sobbing and had to make sure that she understood I was happy,» Verlander said. «She's never seen me cry like that.»

Genevieve Verlander, wearing a Tigers jersey with her dad's name and No. 35, saw her cue from Hinch and ran. When she reached the mound, she hugged her father, who reached down to embrace her and started shaking.

Hinch joined them about 25 seconds later for another hug, and then Verlander was surrounded by Tigers teammates who came to the mound.

Hinch had planned Genevieve's mound trip with Verlander's wife, model Kate Upton.

«It's hard to surprise a guy who has everything planned and mapped out more than any human I've ever been around,» said Hinch, who managed Verlander to the 2017 World Series title with the Houston Astros. «We wanted to come up with something special, and his family means everything to him.»

• 557 career starts with 266-159 record and 3.33 ERA.
• One of two players all time to win Rookie of the Year, MVP and Cy Young Award in their careers (Don Newcombe).
• One of 11 pitchers all time to win at least three Cy Young Awards; one of seven to win Cy Young in