Verlander Honors Wounded Vets When He Pitches For Tigers
DETROIT (WWJ) - When Justin "No-Hit" Verlander takes to the mound at Comerica Park this season, he'll have his own personal cheering section.
The Tigers' right-hander, through his "Verlander's Victory for Veterans" program, has invited veterans who have sustained injuries or illness while in Iraq or Afghanistan to his personal luxury suite at the ballpark whenever he's the team's starting pitcher at home this season.
Abe Marvin, who was injured in Iraq, was nervous meeting the Tigers ace.
"I think it's amazing, I mean not only for me, but the people that get to go on all the other days. I mean a lot of em are, you know, worse off than me, and they enjoy it. It helps them out mentally and physically, so I really, I really think it's doing, it's a great thing," says Marvin.
Verlander, who tossed a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays May 7th, calls it a "small token of my appreciation for our service men and women and their dedication to our country."
"So many brave men and women sacrifice each and every day so that we as Americans can enjoy our freedom and live safely," says Verlander.
Verlander says his grandfather is a World War Two vet and his cousin is currently in Afghanistan.
Veterans will be welcomed on the video board during the game.
