Justin Verlander, the legendary Major League Baseball pitcher, celebrated his 40th birthday on February 20, 2023.
Verlander, who recently signed with the New York Mets, has been a stalwart in the league for over 17 years, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his pitching prowess and longevity.
Born on February 20, 1983, in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round (second overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft. Verlander made his debut for the Tigers in 2005, and his performances over the next few years established him as one of the best pitchers in the game.
Justin Verlander is known for his aggressive pitching style and remarkable consistency throughout his career.
Over his 17-year career, Verlander has won numerous awards and accolades. He's a nine-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, a Most Valuable Player, and a two-time World Series champion. Verlander has also thrown two no-hitters and has led the league in strikeouts five times.
As soon as the clock struck midnight on his birthday, social media platforms, especially Twitter, were abuzz with wishes and messages from fans, former teammates, and fellow players. Fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to Verlander for his illustrious career and wish him on his birthday.
The MLB page on Twitter posted a birthday message for Justin Verlander as many fans joined in. One fan wrote:
"Happy Birthday to my favorite player ever and my childhood hero."
Another said:
"Legendary Justin."
Here are the other reactions on Twitter:
Can Justin Verlander continue to excel with New York Mets?
Justin Verlander joined the New York Mets in December 2022 on a two-year contract worth $86.7 million.
He will now be a part of the star-studded Mets' team assembled to challenge for the World Series. He will have plenty of competition from the likes of Max Scherzer and Jose Quintana for a place in the lineup and will have to make sure his level doesn't drop. Given his experience and character, he will be a valuable addition for the Mets in the upcoming season.
As Verlander enters his 40s, it remains to be seen how much longer he continues to play. One thing is clear, though: his impact on the sport of baseball has been significant, and his legacy as one of the game's greats is secure.