Most MLB players are not around to play 15 or 20 years, for several reasons that go from performance to longevity.
Some of them, however, are not only capable of playing professionally for 20 years, but are so good that they stay at the top of their physical and mental conditions and remain competitive even in their late 30s or early 40s.
That’s the case of Houston Astros star Justin Verlander.
The right-hander is currently 39 years old, near the end of his career.
It’s easy to forget he has been pitching in MLB since 2005.
In 2006, he pitched in a World Series with the Detroit Tigers.
After several additional Fall Classic presentations in between, Verlander is ready to take the hill for Game 1 between his Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies tonight.
Verlander Wants His Second Ring
He is one of only a handful of pitchers who have seen 16 or more years between World Series starts.
“16+ years between World Series starts: Steve Carlton (1967 and 1983) Dennis Martínez (1979 and 1995) Roger Clemens (1986 and 2005) Justin Verlander (2006 and 2022),” Codify Baseball tweeted.
16+ years between World Series starts:
Steve Carlton (1967 and 1983)
Dennis Martínez (1979 and 1995)
Roger Clemens (1986 and 2005)
Justin Verlander (2006 and 2022) pic.twitter.com/3SEMAtmqoy— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) October 28, 2022
To clarify, this doesn’t mean he didn’t make other World Series starts in between: Verlander did it in 2012 and also in 2019.
But it’s a way to paint the picture of how much time has passed between starts at the most important series of the season.
In fact, Verlander and Roger Clemens are the only men to start a World Series game in three different decades.
With a 5.68 ERA and a 0-6 record in World Series play, the Astros’ ace is eager to improve his numbers in the Fall Classic.
Most importantly, he is looking for his second ring, as he won in 2017 with these same Astros.