The Detroit Tigers lost 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates after an emotional final game from Justin Verlander that included emotional comments from his wife Kate Upton. Verlander wound up in tears after an unexpected on-field family moment.
When the smoke cleared, fans were left feeling satisfied and nostalgic, as was the Tigers' longtime ace. The National Baseball Hall-of-Fame followed up Verlander's performance with an announcement about a special item.
“A storybook career starts and ends the same way – wearing the Olde English D,” the HOF wrote. “Justin Verlander is graciously donating the Tigers cap he wore in his final game to the Hall-of-Fame.”
Article Continues BelowA storybook career starts and ends the same way – wearing the Olde English D.@JustinVerlander is graciously donating the @tigers cap he wore in his final game to the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/6kdNDs5tPx
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) September 26, 2026
Verlander's former Tigers teammate Max Scherzer was among those watching during his final game, as Verlander pitched 5.1 innings, gave up five hits and two earned runs, and fanned six batters. An Eduardo Valencia walk-off home run gave Tigers fans more to smile, and cheer about as they beat the Pirates 4-3 on September 26.
Verlander started the season with expectations of pitching well, early and often for manager AJ Hinch's team after a strong season in 2025. At age 43 and dealing with injury problems, he wasn't able to muster up enough strength to pitch the way fans expected of him until the very end.
The longtime Tigers ace's performances with one of the MLB's most hallowed franchises will live on in the hearts and minds of baseball fans everywhere, from Cooperstown to Detroit, to Houston and the West Coast. Verlander has nothing left to prove, and plenty of time off to enjoy, now that he has completed one of the most exceptional careers in recent sports history.