Justin Verlander's brother shares spooky Pfister hotel story involving Rangers HOFer and a ghost

The Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee is one of the midwest's oldest and most ornate hotels. Continually in business for over 130 years, the walls of the institution have seen droves of high-profile individuals come and go.

Started by Guido and Charles Pfister, the Pfister Hotel opened in 1983 at a cost of $1 million. Over the years, several urban legends have emerged regarding the 21-story building, including those pertaining to baseball.

On a recent episode of his podcast, Flippin' Bats, MLB analyst Ben Verlander, brother of pitcher Justin, retold a story involving the Pfister Hotel. According to Verlander, Rangers star Michael Young once encountered an apparition during one of his stays, but was able to reason with the ghost. As Verlander explained:

"He heard footsteps in his room, and then he started telling the ghost 'Hey, I know you're there, kick your feet up, sit back and relax, everything's gonna be okay.' And then it stopped, the ghost or whatever it was."

The subject of the Pfister Hotel emerged after Ben Verlander and his guest, John Smoltz, were discussing Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts' recent decision. With the Dodgers in Milwaukee for a series against the Brewers, Betts apparently sorted his own AirBnB, perhaps on account of the establishment's sordid reputation.

"Mookie Betts has once again declined to stay with team in the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, which is said to be haunted. He is at an Airbnb instead, per @MikeDiGiovanna" - Jomboy Media

Betts was recently taken off of the IL, where he was placed two months ago with a broken finger. In his five games since returning, Mookie Betts is hitting .400 with two home runs and four RBIs in four appearances.

Not every MLB star is scared of staying at the Pfister Hotel

While discussing Betts' decision, Ben Verlander was joined by former Atlanta Braves pitching icon John Smoltz. When asked about his experience at the Pfister, Smoltz, a Hall of Famer, explained:

"I don't claim to say it's haunted, but that has been one of those things that has gone on for a long time."

Smoltz proceeded to recount a tale of the Cardinals using vertical mattresses as backstops for bullpen sessions in their hotel room. Smoltz would add that he "doesn't think it is haunted."

However, for Mookie Betts keeping up his strong return is the priority, even if it means submitting to a little bit of superstition.