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The former Detroit Tigers pitcher, Justin Verlander, looks back on the many memorable moments he spent at Comerica Park on May 13, 2019.
Jeff Seidel, columnist for the Detroit Free Press

Former Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander said it was "somehow worthless" that the Detroit sport is, well, in such a run-down condition right now.

"The city is going so much better," said Verlander, addressing local media Monday before the Houston Astros open their series against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

"And there is not a big sports franchise. It's a bit ironic. We have been so good for so long. Many teams were really good. The red wings. The pistons. In my term here, they had very good teams. To make the city bounce back as it was and not to have a good sports franchise, that sucks. But these guys are going to turn the tide. It's too much of a sports story. And a lot of pride here. It will happen. "

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Justin Verlander is interviewed by Jack Morris at Comerica Park on Monday. (Photo: Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press)

Verlander, an Astro since On August 31, 2017, Trade will face its former team on Wednesday for the third time and at Comerica Park.

Verlander described this experience as a "rift of nerves" every time he returned to Detroit.

"It's such a special place in my heart," Verlander said. "It will always be interesting to come back here."

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He offered his catch on several issues:

On the Tigers not winning the World Series during his stay in Detroit:

"The reason I think the reason was the free time before the two world series, I think we've had the talent to do that for many, many years." In the playoffs, it's a bit a dice roll – it's up to the best team at the right time, I think we've been this team twice, we've been dissipated by the weekly pre-World Series layoffs both times. the name of the game. It's probably the only sport where a holiday like this will hurt you.All other sports, I think it's an advantage.This sport is absolutely negative … Mr. I (the late owner of the team, Mike Ilitch) put all his heart into this organization and did everything possible to allow us to win a championship.We approached a few times. one of my biggest regrets, not to win one r him. "

[ Justin Verlander: Tigers fans were on my mind for 2017 trade ]

On his memories of pitching for the Tigers:

"A lot of memories of the playoffs. Magglio (Ordonez) hits his home run. The non-hitter in 2007. For me, a personal moment, it was quite special. It has attracted me a little bit to the city.

On the performance of Matthew Boyd:

"I'm really happy for him … I know how hard he works. I know how well he works with talent. I'm excited to see him launch … to see what has changed. "

[ Matthew Boyd development surprises his former manager Brad Ausmus ]

On Josh Harrison breaking his offer without a hit in 2012:

"I'm not happy about that. I'm still not happy with that. "

On his pre-game conversation with Miguel Cabrera:

"What do you say to the guy?" He is a future Hall of Famer. I asked him how he felt. He said that he was starting to feel good. And move well. We are all fans of the game. I'm obviously watching Miggy from afar now. I saw it this spring. I saw him early in the season. He moves better and says he feels good. This guy, he is a special talent. He will be great. He knows it.

[ Ron Gardenhire: Miguel Cabrera’s home run comments ‘a little crazy’ ]

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Justin Verlander's 13-year stint with the Detroit Tigers was simply remarkable. We looked at the career of the right-hand at MLB until he moved to the Houston Astros. Video produced by Brian Manzullo, DFP.
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Contact Jeff Seidel: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff. To read his recent columns, visit freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel.