Justin Verlander shares emotional moment during final start

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander hugs his daughter, Genevieve Upton Verlander, during a Career Celebration Ceremony before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Justin Verlander shares emotional moment with his daughter upon exiting final career start

By Steven Kubitza | Last updated Sep 26, 2026 3:54 PM ET

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is a living legend in the game of baseball. The future Hall of Famer took the mound Saturday for his final career start in what was an emotional afternoon in Detroit.

His daughter, Genevieve, threw out the first pitch to her dad Friday night and was on hand for his start Saturday as well.

The moment the two shared after his final career pitch is enough to make any MLB fan shed a tear.

Justin Verlander removed from game by his daughter

Verlander went 5.1 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out six on 91 pitches. Manager A.J. Hinch decided that was enough and decided to pull his starter and allow the fans to give him a proper ovation.

But that was not all.

The perfect ending for Justin Verlander.

His daughter runs out to the mound and he walks off with his family.

Feels like a movie. pic.twitter.com/C1XzJmG2VY
— Baseball Is Dead (@baseballisdead_) September 26, 2026

His daughter sprinted out to the mound, giving her dad a big hug as his legendary career officially came to a close. The ace was visibly emotional as Tigers fans showed their appreciation for a legendary career.

This is easily the best way for any player to end their career. Verlander returned to Detroit in 2026 for one final season after leaving the team during the 2017 campaign. He finishes his career where it all began and got to do so with family.

The fact he even got to make one final start was an accomplishment in itself. Verlander made one start back in March before going on the injured list for nearly the rest of the season. But he worked his way back and ended with a solid outing, allowing two earned runs in 5.1 innings of work.

Yet all he may remember from his final start is the special moment he shared with his daughter when all is said and done.

Steven Kubitza

Steven Kubitza is a Cleveland, Ohio, native with over a decade in the news industry. His work has been featured on Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports, and FanSided, among other outlets. He is a lifelong Browns fan who is convinced the team will turn things around at some point in the next 50 years

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