Kate Upton has spent more than a decade as one of baseball's most visible and supportive spouses, cheering on Justin Verlander through every high and low of his storied MLB career. But now that the future Hall of Famer has officially hung up his cleats, Upton is ready to close the chapter on watching the sport—permanently.
During an appearance on NBC's Today this Tuesday, Upton was asked how she felt about Verlander's retirement. Her answer was as candid as it was hilarious. "I'm so excited," she said. "I am never watching another baseball game again."
It's a sentiment that any baseball spouse can relate to. After all, a full MLB season is a 162-game grind, and Upton has been front and center for the majority of Verlander's 20-year journey. From his early days with the Detroit Tigers to his later stops with the Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants, Upton was a constant presence in the stands and in his corner.
Verlander's final start came this past Saturday, a fitting farewell that allowed him to address the fans who have supported him since his debut in July 2005. "We've been through a lot over the years," Verlander told the Detroit crowd, per MLB.com. "Your love and support has meant the world to me. That love and support has solidified for me that I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger."
Those 14 seasons in Detroit were the foundation of a career that will almost certainly end in Cooperstown. Verlander finishes with a 3.33 ERA, 266 wins, and 3,560 strikeouts—the eighth-most in MLB history. He trails only legends like Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Roger Clemens on that list. Along the way, he collected three Cy Young Awards, including a flawless 2022 campaign at age 39 that silenced any doubters.
At his peak, Verlander was the most feared ace in the American League, a pitcher who could single-handedly will his team to victory. His combination of longevity and dominance is rare, and it's why he'll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when his name appears on the ballot.
Now, Verlander gets to enjoy retirement alongside Upton and their two children. And while Upton may be done with baseball, her legacy of support—and her playful honesty—will be remembered fondly by fans. After all, who can blame her for wanting a break from 162 games a year?
So, what's next for the Upton-Verlander household? If Upton has her way, it won't involve a baseball diamond. But for a couple that has given so much to the game, a little time away is well deserved.
