After a long, accomplished ride, Justin Verlander’s career is finally closing. He announced that his 21st MLB season would be his final campaign, ending a run that saw him pitch in 556 career games over two decades. The three‑time Cy Young winner and 2011 AL MVP will appear in his last All‑Star Game, a Legend Pick chosen by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Verlander’s first taste of the majors in 2005 was modest; two starts for the Tigers yielded a 0‑2 record and nine earned runs. The next year, he turned that into a 17‑win rookie campaign, earning AL Rookie of the Year. That same year, future stars such as Robinson Cano, Félix Hernández, and Nelson Cruz made their debuts, while veteran Rich Hill closed his own career. The 2005 World Series saw the Chicago White Sox win their first title in 90 years, with a cameo by future Pope Leo XIV.

Other storylines included Barry Bonds’ knee‑injury‑marred season, Derrek Lee’s unexpected power surge, and Roger Clemens’ 1.87 ERA at age 42. Since then, MLB has added a pitch clock, in‑field shift restrictions, and an automated ball‑strike system—changes a 2005 fan would never have imagined.