Life has always been unpredictable. One minute you’re gathered in the living room watching television on a Sunday with your family. And the next thing you know, two decades have passed by, and all your children have moved out—some for college, some to earn a living—with that very living room now echoing with the lost giggles of the family. A get-together is now subject to careful scheduling, and the only time the family comes together is when there’s a holiday or when to bid someone goodbye. But the Verlander family was not like that. Not at all…

A peek into Justin Verlander’s father’s old X account would surely tell you that. Every update weaved a beautiful story of how you can be together despite the distance. Heartwarmingly, the superstar of all those tweets was 98-year-old Richard Verlander Sr, aka Justin’s grandpa. And one thing was clear: Grandpa was the apple of the Verlander family’s eye.

In one tweet from 2021, Justin’s father, Richard Jr, shared a photo of the war veteran aboard an aircraft, living his life to the fullest. “My hero,” he wrote. In another tweet just a month later, Jr boasted like a proud son, “My dad is a 94 yr. old WW2 Vet. He tells me I’m his best friend. Hope I live up to that honor.” The most endearing tweet, however, was from Ben Verlander, the San Francisco Giants’ pitcher’s brother…

“My grandpa tried to warm up his cookies in the microwave. Instead of 20 seconds. He did 20 minutes. My grandpa almost blew his house up,” the player-turned-FOX analyst had hilariously noted in 2014. Sometimes, the old man even took it up a notch to give Justin’s fans some much needed gossip…

The year was 2012. Justin had just started dating model Kate Upton. Ofcourse, the relationship was new, and both stars wanted to keep it under wraps. But what does grandpa do? He tells the world, bringing the spotlight squarely on the new couple. “I heard he has been on dates with a Sports Illustrated girl. I saw a photo — she’s beautiful. They make a good-looking pair because he’s a good-looking man, too. I do know he’s on the dating scene. Justin is a fine boy, and whoever he ends up with is lucky. He’s not only a great baseball player, he’s a great guy,” he had revealed, which in retrospect, must have become a hilarious dinner table conversation over the years. However, with each passing year, behind the smiles, and the jokes, there was one truth that the Verlander’s were slowing coming to terms with…

Richard Sr’s health was deteriorating—his frail body a proof. Ben would often visit him, reminisce about old days, engage in little boxing sessions that the old man reportedly loved to do. However, on March 1, the family finally had to come to terms with the unthinkable. With a heavy heart, Ben Verlander took to X to announce, “My grandpa passed away this morning. We were always buddies. He was a WWII vet that served in the Navy. He loved to box. This is the last photo we took together just a couple of weeks ago. Will forever be so appreciative of this photo with him.”

“RIP to my Grandpa. A true hero,” the message concluded. Ben also shared a heart touching photo where the duo were seen indulging in some boxing with clenched fists…

Having said that, 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.

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.

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…

Grandpa Verlander, for all of us, Rest In Peace.