MLB just witnessed shocking news when Justin Verlander, the legendary pitcher and three-time Cy Young winner, announced that he was seriously ill and would have to temporarily suspend all baseball activities.
The press conference was unexpected, lasting just over 10 minutes, but it was enough to make the entire sports world speechless.
“What I want, if I can… is to return to the Astros. That will always be my home,” he said, choking up.
There were no dozens of cameras. No noisy questions. Just a small room, where Verlander entered looking tired, his face haggard and his rare faint smile.
He opened with a simple but heavy sentence:
“There are battles you can’t avoid. I’m in the middle of one.”
Then he confirmed the rumors of the past several weeks: his health had seriously declined and his doctor asked him to stop playing immediately.
Justin Verlander had already overcome Tommy John at age 37—something most retired pitchers face. He came back strong, winning another Cy Young as if defying the laws of his body.
But this time, the challenge before him wasn’t the accuracy of his pitches or the power of his balls.
A source close to him said:
“He kept it a secret until he couldn’t hide it anymore. This is the first time we’ve seen real anxiety in Verlander’s eyes.”
During the press conference, Verlander paused several times, fighting back tears as he talked about his family and the future.
What made the press conference one of the most heartbreaking moments of the season was his final words:
“I want… to go back to the Astros. Just one day, to hear that cheer again.”
The Astros weren’t just Verlander’s career team—they were the place where he won the World Series, where he resurrected his career, where fans saw him as a living icon.
An Astros coach revealed:
“The door is always open for Justin. If he wants to come back, the Astros will welcome him with all their hearts.”
The Houston community exploded with emotion: “JV, we are here!”
Thousands of fans sent messages:
“You brought us to glory, now it’s our turn to fight with you.”
“JV, the Astros are still your home, no matter what happens.”
“Come back, even for just one day, we will welcome you like the first day.”
A group of fans even gathered outside Minute Maid Park, holding a banner:
“WE WAIT FOR YOU, JUSTIN.”
Stars from around the league sent words of encouragement:
“He is stronger than anyone I have ever known.”
“If anyone can overcome it, it is Justin Verlander.”
MLB is reportedly considering a special tribute for Verlander — a rarity for a player who hasn’t retired.
Justin Verlander has fought his way through his career. And now, he faces his biggest battle yet — not on the field, but in life.
He ended the press conference with words that left the baseball world speechless:
“I don’t know what the future holds… but if I had one choice, I’d like to come back to the Astros one more time. Just one more time.”
An announcement that broke the hearts of millions.
A wish unfulfilled.
And a warrior still going, even though the toughest road lies ahead.
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