2019 Winter Auction Closing March 2
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/3/2019
Justin Verlander gave the Detroit Tigers 13 seasons of Hall of Fame-caliber pitching ever since debuting with the team in 2005. Verlander led the Tigers to two American League pennants and was a six-time All-Star during his tenure with Detroit. In 2011, Verlander finished with an impeccable 24-5 record and both the American League Cy Young and MVP Award, a feat that had occurred only seven times before Verlander completed his double. Verlander played his final season for the Tigers in 2017, before moving to the Houston Astros at the waiver trade deadline. With the Astros, Verlander was an integral part of their World Series winning campaign, winning four games in the playoffs and claiming the American League Championship Series MVP award.
The offered jersey is the one worn by Verlander in his final start with the Tigers, on August 30th, 2017. Additionally, this jersey has been photo matched to 11 other games during the 2017 season: April 4th and 21st, May 9th, 25th, and 3thh, June 10th and 21st, July 8th and 19th, and August 4th and 15th. The April 4th contest was Opening Day at Comerica Park. Verlander ended his Tigers career with a vintage performance, going six strong innings, allowing one run and striking out nine during the Tigers 6-2 road win over the Colorado Rockies on the 30th of August.
This button-down, gray road jersey has “Detroit” and Verlander’s number “35” sewn on the chest in navy blue, orange, and white tackle twill. “VERLANDER” and a second “35” are sewn on the back of the jersey in navy blue, orange, and white tackle twill. A vinyl MLB logo is sewn on the back outside collar. A “Mr. I” circular memorial patch for deceased Tigers owner Mike Ilitch is sewn on the right sleeve and a black Majestic logo is sewn on the left sleeve. A Majestic size “48” tag has been applied to the front left tail of the jersey, and a QR code tag that reads “#35 2017 Opening Day” has been applied to the right placket. This jersey comes with a MLB Authenticated hologram (JB 900901) that refers to the jersey as team-issued, however Sports Investors Authentication has conclusively photo matched this jersey to the previously mentioned 12 games. Sports Investors Authentication has provided a Letter of Authenticity (17335D7). Additionally, there is a LOA from MEARS, who have graded this jersey a perfect A10.