By Connor Dorion | @cdorion15
Toronto Observer
LAKELAND, Fla. – The name Justin Verlander is already big in the Detroit Tigers organization, and now the star pitcher’s brother Ben would like a share as well.
The 23-year-old prospect has been a pitcher for most of his life, but after his sophomore season, he decided to focus on hitting.
During an interview at the Tigers’ spring training facility on Wednesday, Verlander shared how he came to this decision.
“I sat down with my coach at Old Dominion, Chris Finwood,” Verlander said under a rising sun. “He really had a good talk with me and he said ‘if you want to get drafted, you’re going to need to pick one.’ He didn’t push me in any one direction, but he thought my best chance would be as a hitter.”
Splitting his time between the short-season single-A Connecticut Tigers and the single-A West Michigan Whitecaps last season, Verlander finished with a combined batting average of .221 with 42 runs batted in.
This upcoming year will be only his third full season as a position player, and he does not miss pitching at all.
“I really enjoy playing every day, taking the field every day and getting my four or five at-bats,” said the Goochland County, Va., native. “As a pitcher, that’s something you only do every five days as a starter.”
Throughout his career, he has always been in the shadow of his former American League MVP and Cy Young Award-winning brother, but Ben has nothing but gratitude for how much Justin has helped him become a pro ball player.
“We’re nine years apart, so he’s always at that next level before I even get started,” Ben said. “Being able to talk to him, watch him play, and watch him go about his business, I honestly don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for him.”
There have been a couple of chances for the younger Verlander to take the plate against his brother, but it has not happened yet.
“There was a time last year when he was throwing live batting practice and they asked him if he wanted me to come over and face him, but he shot that down quickly,” said Ben, the 14th-round pick in the 2013 draft. “It’s kind of a win-win for me. If I don’t get a hit I’m not supposed to, but if I do get a hit he’s kind of screwed.”
Even though the Verlander vs. Verlander matchup has not yet come to fruition, Ben would love the opportunity.
“That would be fun, I’ve always thought about it,” Ben said. “I haven’t faced him since he was throwing wiffle balls at me in the back yard.”
