Model and influencer Kate Upton discovered the challenging reality behind the Justin Verlander MLB schedule after marrying the San Francisco Giants pitcher. Unlike many sports, Major League Baseball features a lengthy 162-game regular season, not including spring training and postseason play, which creates a relentless routine for players and their families.
Starting from mid-February with spring training, players who advance to playoffs often remain busy until November, when the World Series typically concludes. This non-stop schedule left Upton feeling overwhelmed, as she shared during her July 2024 appearance on the Chicks in the Office podcast.
“Being a baseball wife is absolutely insane, like this schedule is wild, it’s so long. I didn’t know,” Upton said. “I accidentally fell in love. I had no idea that there were this many games.”
Understanding the Lack of Rest and Emotional Strain
Upton revealed that there are rarely consecutive off-days during the regular season, which adds to the difficulty of maintaining family time. She specifically noted her struggle with missing Verlander during the crucial late-season games when emotions run high and stakes are at their peak.
“No consecutive off days, only Mondays and Thursdays,” Upton said. “I’m like ‘I don’t see him,’ especially when you start getting into late playoffs when the baseball is so exciting, but you’re like, ‘I haven’t seen my husband in months, like they better win.’”
Insights into the Role of a Baseball Wife and Emotional Challenges
Kate Upton offered a candid look into the emotional toll of being married to a professional baseball player. Although the demanding schedule is difficult, her focus remains on supporting Justin Verlander and wishing him success on the mound. She described feeling a sense of helplessness while watching him pitch, mixed with anxiety over his performance.
“To watch someone you love out there and have no control, it was a totally new experience, and so it already started this nervous energy running through me like, ‘Oh no!’” Upton said. “And you want them to do well and you want them to feel good, you know, he’s my husband. I want him to come home and be happy and not be disappointed in how he played or what happened.”
Balancing Family Life Amidst Career Demands
Since their marriage in 2017, shortly after Verlander’s World Series victory with the Astros, Upton and Verlander have worked to balance their family life with their professional responsibilities. They welcomed their daughter, Genevieve, in 2018, and have steadily found ways to manage the intense schedule together. With Verlander approaching the latter stages of his career, Upton looks forward to more quality time with her husband.
The Importance of Support During Baseball’s Grueling Season
Kate Upton’s revelations shed light on the unique pressures faced by baseball families, especially those navigating the longest regular season in professional sports. Her reflections underscore the sacrifices made behind the scenes and the emotional strength needed to support players like Justin Verlander. As his career nears its conclusion, there is hope for a less demanding schedule and more moments shared together off the field.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much does Justin Verlander sleep?
A. Justin Verlander, a Major League Baseball All-Star famous for his fast pitches, believes his achievements are due to sleeping 10 hours each night. He ensures his sleep isn’t disturbed by using blackout curtains and keeping his phone on silent mode. Verlander also advises his teammates on improving their sleep.
Q. How much sleep does Justin Verlander get?
A. Verlander tries to get 10 hours of sleep each night. “If I need more, I’m not scared to sleep longer,” he mentioned. On some occasions, he feels well-rested with eight or nine hours, while other times, he needs 11 or 12 hours.