Detroit Tigers’ Verlander leaves final start of his career as 7-year-old daughter runs out for a hug

DETROIT — Justin Verlander had just retired the leadoff batter in the sixth inning of his major league finale when Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch walked from the dugout toward home plate. The pitcher’s 7-year-old daughter suddenly sprinted to the mound.

“That completely blindsided me, and it hit me like a ton of bricks,” Verlander said.

A stellar career for the 43-year-old right-hander ended with a 4-3, come-from-behind win against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Verlander’s emotions will be remembered far more than the score on a meaningless game on the next-to-last day of his 21st big league season.

“That was amazing. I was sobbing and had to make sure that she understood I was happy,” Verlander said. “She’s never seen me cry like that.”

Genevieve Verlander, wearing a Tigers jersey with her dad’s name and No. 35, saw her cue from Hinch and ran. When she reached the mound she hugged her father, who reached down to embrace her and started shaking.

Hinch joined them about 25 seconds later for another hug, and then Verlander was surrounded by Tigers teammates who came to the mound.

Hinch had planned Genevieve’s mound trip with Verlander’s wife, model Kate Upton,

“It’s hard…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business