In life, the things that are harder to earn are the ones that people enjoy the most.
It’s because they know the hard work that is behind the smiles, the flashes, and the success.
This is the case with Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander.
Verlander was part of the Astros team that swept the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series and then the New York Yankees in the ALCS, a feat that was completed on Sunday night.
Now, the 39-year-old Verlander will be going to his fifth World Series.
The feeling, however, is not just like the other four.
“An emotional @JustinVerlander told me he’s in a different chapter of his life than in previous World Series trips. After Tommy John surgery, he’s appreciating this postseason journey differently than before. Congratulations to JV on his fifth World Series berth,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
An emotional @JustinVerlander told me he's in a different chapter of his life than in previous World Series trips. After Tommy John surgery, he's appreciating this postseason journey differently than before.
Congratulations to JV on his fifth World Series berth.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 24, 2022
Verlander Is In The Best Form Of His Life
Verlander is thriving as a 39-year-old coming off major elbow surgery in September 2020.
He had to miss the whole 2021 campaign in order to rehab his elbow.
That’s why this year has a different flavor: because he had to defy expectations and listen to comments saying he was done.
If a 1.75 ERA in 175 innings, plus a 0.83 WHIP, means he is done, more pitchers surely would like to be done as well.
Verlander lost two World Series with the Detroit Tigers and one with the Astros in 2019.
He also won the 2017 one with Houston.
In 2022, he will be looking to even that Fall Classic record to 2-2 behind an incredible talented team.
The Philadelphia Phillies are no slouches, but they will have to face Verlander, probably twice.
NEXT: The Astros Continue To Fight For Dusty Baker