HOUSTON — Justin Verlander, one of the most iconic legends in modern baseball, shared his deep feelings about the Houston Astros – the team that shaped his career and helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport. While many remember Verlander for his powerful pitches and incredible on-field records, it was his story of loyalty and gratitude that made his message so memorable.
“I owe everything to the Astros,” Verlander said in a recent interview. “If I ever get inducted into the Hall of Fame, I just want to come back to Houston, to go home, to stand in front of the Astros fans and wave to them. Everything I have is because of them, because of the team that believed in me and gave me a chance.”
Justin Verlander joined the Astros in 2017 and quickly became a mainstay in their quest for the big prize. The numbers speak for themselves: over 3,000 career strikeouts, nearly 250 wins, and countless games showcasing his skill. But Verlander emphasizes that, more than the numbers, it was the Houston environment that fostered his fighting spirit, helping him overcome the hardships, injuries, and immense pressure of top-level baseball.
The most memorable moment of Verlander’s Astros career was the 2017 World Series, when he and his team won the championship after decades of waiting. Houston fans still vividly remember the image of an exhausted but happy Verlander at Minute Maid Park, where he and his teammates celebrated the victory with thousands of cheers from the stands. It was a clear testament to the bond between a player and a team – not just a contract, but a belief and a second family.
Throughout his illustrious career, Verlander has always expressed gratitude to those who have accompanied him. He talked about the difficult early days, the injuries that seemed to hinder his career, and how the Astros patiently supported him through each challenge. “That’s where I learned to grow, to persevere, to respect every opportunity on the field. Houston is more than just a team – it’s my second home,” Verlander shared.
The message quickly spread strongly among the Astros and MLB fan community. Fans were not only touched by Verlander’s words, but also felt the values of baseball philosophy he represents: success is not measured by awards alone, but by loyalty, gratitude and the ability to return to the place that made you who you are.
When talking about the Hall of Fame, Verlander added: “I don’t think about the individual. I think about the moments, the people, the teams that made me the player I am today. If I ever get that honor, I just want to go back to Houston, stand in front of the fans, and say thank you.”
Justin Verlander, for all his glory, records, and personal achievements, still holds in his heart a simple but powerful reminder: sometimes, where you are is more important than any title, and the Houston Astros will always be his home.
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