For the first time in his career, Justin Verlander is a visitor at Comerica Park.
The Detroit Tigers did their best to pay homage to the former All-Star and ace.
As Verlander was walking from the bullpen , the Tigers played a tribute video of his career as a Tigers, everything from his first start against the Indians in Cleveland in 2005, to his two no-hitters to his final start at home as a Tiger.
After peering over his shoulder at the video board over the left field stands, Verlander stopped walking, turned around and watched.
He sighed deeply and when the video ended, he tipped his cap to the crowd, clearly emotional, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Verlander then descended into the visitors' dugout.
When Verlander took the mound at the bottom of the first inning, the fans again serenaded him with cheers and Verlander waved before facing leadoff hitter Jeimer Candelario.
On Sunday, Verlander arrived in Detroit and posted a heartfelt message on Instagram about the first start against his former team at his former home field.
"I'm really excited about tomorrow," Verlander said. "I've heard a lot of people are excited back in the area. It's my first time back in the city. I cannot WAIT to take the mound here at Comerica Park in front of the fans that I have known and loved for so long."
