
Richard and Kathy Verlander, parents of Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, a Cy Young and American League MVP winner, were at Montague High School Wednesday evening signing their book, “Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told.” The Verl
Richard and Kathy Verlander, parents of Detroit Tiger star pitcher Justin Verlander, took center stage at the Montague High School Center of the Arts Wednesday night - literally.
The retired couple drove to Michigan from their home in Goochland County, Virginia (near Richmond), to hold signing events for their 2012 book, “Rocks Across the Pond: Lessons Learned, Stories Told.”
Wednesday’s event included signing sessions in the auditorium’s Crescent Room before and after a presentation in the auditorium.
While baseball certainly was talked about by the Verlanders, it wasn’t the focus of the presentation or the book.
The focus was on lessons and experiences of raising your children to be successful, and how important friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches and others are in encouraging those children.
And, the Verlanders shared the “Pinch Me” Moments which are a section in their book.
The “Pinch Me” Moments include some of Justin’s career highlights, including Little League, a showcase team and Major League play in which he has started in an All-Star game, pitched in two World Series, and won the Cy Young and American League MVP awards.
But, the one’s they say they always remember are when stadium employees at Comerica Park tell them how friendly Justin is, or when he surprised a young girl battling Cystic Fibrosis, by meeting her at the MLB fan cave in New York City or by offering his luxury suite at Comerica Park of wounded Veterans and their families when he pitches.
The entertaining presentation also included three videos; one of the rap son, “Hall of Fame” by The Script encouraging young people to go after their dreams; a video of Justin on the Conan O’Brien Show talking about his pre-game ritual of eating a meal at Taco Bell the night before and the Hot Foot prank, and his meeting with young fan, Shana Hersh, at the MLB fan cave.
Following the presentation the Verlanders answered questions from the audience.
The book signing was also a fundraiser for the Montague baseball program. Five dollars from each book sale was donated to the program.