Verlander Says World Series Losses Get Harder
DETROIT (97.1 The Ticket) Tigers ace Justin Verlander let it all hang out in the locker room after the San Francisco Giants swept his team for the World Series title.
He didn't pretend like it was all OK.
"It's going to be a tough pill to swallow for awhile, but for me personally and I think for a lot of guys in this room, you kind of remember this feeling when you go into the off-season, it makes you work all the harder," Verlander said.
Asked if it was easier to accept a loss after the Tigers' 2006 loss at the World Series, Verlander didn't sugar coat the answer.
"I don't think you can ever say, 'I've been through this before, I've lost before, so it's easier this time,' he said, adding, "If anything, it's a little more difficult."
He added that he thinks of the team as family.
"I love our team, it's not just the talent on the field, it's the feeling we have in this locker room, the class act of guys that we have. It means a lot to go through the season together with your family. Obviously, I think the talent bodes well for us ... Hopefully, next year, but you can't take anything for granted, so I'm going to work just as hard."
He was just as honest when a sports writer asked what it was like to watch the Giants celebrate victory at Comerica Park.
"I wish it was me, you know, watching those guys celebrate is tough, especially on our field. It's tough, man, fans deserve better, can't say we deserve better, we got out-played."
