Baseball just lost one of its finest, and no, it’s not a Cy Young winner or a Hall of Famer—it’s someone even more beloved.
In a world where athletes come and go, some legends leave paw prints instead of footprints. A certain “American Hero” has taken his final bow, leaving even the toughest in the MLB world misty-eyed. If you thought baseball’s biggest heartbreaks were blown leads, think again.
The news hit hard. Richard Verlander Sr., a decorated war hero and the grandfather of Justin Verlander, has passed away. The whole world is saddened.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
And to remember him, Justin Verlander’s brother, Ben Verlander shared a post on his X handle.
Ben Verlander wrote, “My grandpa passed away this morning. We were always buddies.” He shared a very close bond with his “buddy”. In their last captured photo, shared on the same post, they are seen doing a face-off because boxing was the game that Verlander Sr. loved the most.
But remind you, that was not his greatest achievement.
How can we forget his recognizing the arm that Justin Verlander had? Verlander Sr. let the pitcher’s father know about it and JV’s journey to MLB started.
Legends aren’t just made on the mound; sometimes, they shape the ones who dominate it. Richard Verlander Sr. didn’t just witness greatness—he picked it up before the world did. While the MLB honors its star pitchers, maybe it’s time we tip our caps to the man who saw a rocket arm before it launched. After all, even a Cy Young legacy starts with someone pointing to the right field.
The MLB world mourns the loss of the one who gave us Justin Verlander
Before there was a Cy Young winner, there was a man who saw the fire in a young arm before anyone else did. The MLB world isn’t just mourning a loss—it’s paying tribute to the architect behind one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. Richard Verlander Sr. wasn’t just a proud grandfather; he was the original scout who never needed a radar gun. Turns out, building a legend starts long before the first pitch is ever thrown.
Respect poured in after the news broke on the internet. Richard Verlander Sr. was more than just family, he was the guiding light in Justin Verlander’s career. Even Ben Verlander was deeply attached to his grandfather and was more of a buddies. His passing isn’t just a loss for the Verlander family but a moment that tugs at the heartstrings of baseball fans everywhere.
The words convey both solace and gratitude—acknowledging his impact while reminding his family, especially Ben and Justin. They were not just his family, they were his best friends. And at this time, we hope that they find comfort in knowing that their grandfather is in a better place and cherish his memories. And now, as the Verlander family mourns, the baseball world stands beside them, tipping its cap to a true American hero.
Ben Verlander just lost a legend in his own life—his grandfather. Whether through stories, values, or quiet strength, his grandfather clearly left a lasting impact. The fans reflect deep respect, acknowledging the man not just as a family but as a true hero.
Justin Verlander’s grandfather, a WWII hero, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, love, and sacrifice. A guiding force in Justin’s life, his strength, and sacrifices shaped generations. His contributions to America will be etched forever.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The entire baseball community is heartbroken. His pride in Justin was unwavering—his loss is deeply felt. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. And this loss is only taking fans back to their own grandchild moments…
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Grandpa Verlander, for all of us – Rest In Peace.