Giants expect big things from Verlander, who wears familiar number originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SCOTTSDALE — Justin Verlander is preparing for his 20th big league season, but in some ways, he is playing catch-up with the 23-year-old pitchers who will be watching his every move this spring. After years with the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and Houston Astros, Verlander is experiencing his first spring training in Arizona. Soon to be 42, he’ll spend the early days of camp asking much younger teammates about local restaurants and places to visit.
When he wears orange and black for the first time, though, Verlander will at least feel a sense of comfort. There has been orange in every big league uniform he has donned, and with the Giants, he will once again get to wear No. 35.
On the first day of camp, Verlander said he had a great conversation with Brandon Crawford, who gave his blessing to wear a number that may one day be retired at Oracle Park because of the shortstop. Verlander has worn 35 every season since 2006.
“I very much respect Brandon, the organization, what he was able to accomplish here,” Verlander said. “I just wanted to make sure I went about it the right way.”
The two spoke about what the number means to each of them. For Crawford, it’s the one he was given by Mike Murphy because the legendary clubhouse manager had a soft spot for two other infielders — Chris Speier and Rich Aurilia — who had worn it in orange and black. Verlander said he initially gravitated to the number because Frank Thomas was his favorite player when he was growing up. Later in life, Verlander’s wife, Kate Upton, cut one of his jerseys in half and sewed it together with half of one of Thomas’ jerseys and got Thomas to sign it.
“All of my memories in baseball are (with) 35,” Verlander said.
Even after chatting it over with Crawford, Verlander still had some hesitation. But he kept recalling how Buster Posey told him during the recruiting process that it would be cool to see him win his 300th game in orange and black.
“What if that happens?,” said the right-hander, who is 38 wins away. “If that does happen, I can’t see myself wearing any other number than 35. That was kind of the thing that triggered it for me, and also having Brandon’s blessing.”
Verlander took the field for the first time Wednesday and said he continues to feel great about where he is at physically. He changed his offseason routine after a down year in 2024…