New York Mets star Justin Verlander reveals what drives him to excel in major leagues at 40

In a clip shared by SNY on Twitter, New York Mets All-Star Justin Verlander revealed what drives him to excel in the major leagues at 40.

Verlander will play his 18th season in the MLB in 2023, but he's still showing no signs of slowing down. With three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles and one Most Valuable Player Award, he's undeniably a power pitcher in the league. He said abou what pushes him to play at the highest level at his age:

"I'm not gonna commit time and effort to anything and not want to be the best I can possibly be. I have put in so much work in my life to lead me to this point. I equate it to a marathon. Why would I put in all this work and all of a sudden stop when I am few miles from the finish line? I don't know how far I am from the finish line. If that's the analogy, I would probably say that I am in the back half."

Verlander added:

"Why would I take all this on if I didn't want to be the best I can possibly be? And, look, I was gifted to throw a baseball. I have made it this far. I have never played the game for accolades. I played this game because I love it, and I still do. I just want to put my head down, and there will be no stone unturned by the time my career is done that hasn't allowed me to be as successful as I can for as long as I can."

In 2022, Verlander had an incredible season with Houston Astros, clinching the World Series by beating the Philadelphia Phillies. He opted for free agency and signed with the Mets on a two-year contract in December.

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Kate Upton pulled off surprise party for Justin Verlander for his milestone birthday

Justin Verlander poses with his wife Kate Upton (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)

Justin Verlander's supermodel wife, Kate Upton, threw an epic bash for the New York Mets pitcher on his 40th birthday. The MLB All-Star took to Instagram to share a sneak peek into the jungle theme party. He wrote:

"Thank you to my wife, family & friends for surprising me with the best Verlander Vices birthday party! I appreciate all the love!"

Undeniably, the pair set relationship goals every time they post an update on social media.

Justin Verlander and his wife met during a commercial shoot in 2012 for the Major League Baseball 2K12 video game. After years of dating, the duo exchanged vows in November 2017 and were blessed with a daughter named Genevieve a year later.