Sports Illustrated Swimsuit posted a look back at model Kate Upton's 2024 cover shoot on Instagram to honor pitcher Justin Verlander's retirement. The social media post stated, "In honor of Justin Verlander retiring this past weekend, a look back at @kateupton's 2024 cover shoot💙🧡."
Verlander took the mound for his final start on Saturday, pitching 5 1/3 innings while giving up two earned runs and striking out six batters. It marked the veteran right-hander's second start of the season. During the game, Verlander was lifted from the mound by his daughter Genevieve in a ceremony that included tears. The Detroit Tigers rallied in the ninth inning to win the game via a walk-off two-run home run hit by Eduardo Valencia, erasing a potential loss from Verlander's record.
The departure concludes a career that included World Series rings, Cy Young awards, and significant earnings. Verlander is 43 years old. His wife, Kate Upton, is 34 years old and is also retiring from her role as a spouse and girlfriend of a future Hall of Famer after more than a decade in Major League Baseball. Upton was present for many of Verlander's professional highs and lows.