On Sunday at Oracle Park, Justin Verlander achieved a remarkable milestone in his Major League Baseball career by becoming only the 10th pitcher to strike out 3,500 batters. Pitching for the San Francisco Giants against the Washington Nationals, Verlander struck out the side in the first inning, marking this significant achievement despite a difficult season where he currently holds a 1-9 record. The 42-year-old right-hander paused to acknowledge the crowd after reaching this elite career total.

This milestone places Verlander among some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, joining legends such as Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Steve Carlton. With 3,500 strikeouts, he firmly stands in the company of Hall of Famers like Bert Blyleven, Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, Gaylord Perry, and Walter Johnson. His former Detroit Tigers teammate, Max Scherzer, holds the 11th spot all-time with 3,456 strikeouts and may become the next player to join the 3,500 strikeout club this season. Together, Verlander and Scherzer lead active players in strikeouts, highlighting their dominance on the mound.

Verlander’s Impact and Triumphs with the Detroit Tigers

Verlander’s journey began when he was drafted second overall by the Detroit Tigers from Old Dominion University in 2004, making his Major League debut in 2005. Over 13 seasons in Detroit, he quickly established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers. By the end of the 2010 season, he had earned the title of 2006 American League Rookie of the Year, made three All-Star appearances, and consistently finished in the top ranks of Cy Young Award voting.

The 2011 season marked Verlander’s breakthrough year, as he won the American League Cy Young Award by compiling a dominant 24-5 record with a 2.40 ERA, striking out 250 batters to secure the pitching triple crown. He also claimed the AL MVP that year, underlining his status as the league’s best player. In 2012, he nearly repeated his Cy Young win by finishing second in the voting with a 17-8 record and a 2.64 ERA, helping lead the Tigers to a deep postseason run, though they ultimately fell short of a World Series title.

Wrapping up his Tigers career with a 183-114 record and a 3.49 ERA, Verlander collected seven All-Star selections and earned top honors including Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Cy Young awards. He amassed 2,373 strikeouts while wearing the iconic Detroit uniform, solidifying his legacy in Motown baseball history. In 2017, he was traded mid-season to the Houston Astros, where he continued to excel by winning two more Cy Young awards and contributing to two World Series championships.

Verlander’s Current Pursuit and Lasting Influence

Now pitching for the Giants, Justin Verlander is chasing a rare milestone of 300 career wins, a feat few modern pitchers are likely to achieve due to evolving pitching roles and rotations in the game. Even as he faces challenges this season, his ability to reach the 3,500 strikeout plateau demonstrates his resilience and enduring skill. His landmark achievement stands as a testament to his longevity and excellence on the mound, securing his place among baseball’s all-time greats and adding weight to expectations that he will be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, potentially with the Detroit Tigers cap on his plaque.