Justin Verlander says farewell: 'I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger'

DETROIT — Fighting back tears, Justin Verlander thanked Tigers fans one more time.

The Tigers honored Verlander before the game Friday, Sept. 25, at Comerica Park. Verlander will retire after this season, which ends Sunday. Verlander will make one last start, Saturday.

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"I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger," Verlander said, as Tigers fans gave him a standing ovation.

You can see Verlander's entire farewell speech here:

Among those on the field for Friday's pregame ceremony: Tigers CEO Christopher Ilitch, president Scott Harris, manager AJ Hinch, former teammate Alex Avila, as well as wife Kate Upton and their children, Genevieve and Bellamy.

Longtime Detroit TV personality John Keating emceed the ceremony, and Jim Leyland and Dan Dickerson, unable to attend in person, delivered video messages. Verlander was presented gifts from the team by former teammate Brandon Inge, who drove Verlander's custom-made Tigers golf cart onto the field, and former pitching coach Jeff Jones, who unveiled a commissioned piece of art, a wooden Tigers cap, called, "Home."

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As he spoke, with a blowup of a Topps rookie card and his No. 35 in front of the mound where he dominated for so many years, Verlander's current teammates stood near the top railing of the home dugout. Another of Verlander's former teammates, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly, watched from the visitor's dugout.

After the pregame ceremony, Verlander's daughter threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Like daddy like daughter, she threw a strike, with Verlander catching it and raising his arms. The two shared a long hug, as fans cheered.

Verlander, 43, pitched for the Tigers from 2005-17, and rejoined the team this offseason. He has made just one start, with injuries spoiling his return to Detroit. He announced in July that he would retire after the season.

Earlier, Verlander addressed the media. You can watch highlights of that here:

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Justin Verlander says farewell: 'I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger'