There are a lot of Detroit Tigers’ storylines playing out during All-Star Week. From Justin Verlander’s honorary selection as a Legends pick and final appearance at the MidSummer Classic as an active player, to Kevin McGonigle’s first All-Star game and triumphant return home to Philadelphia, where the Delaware County native grew up going to Citizens Bank Park to see childhood favorites like Chase Utley and Bryce Harper, to Dillon Dingler’s first All-Star Game and emergence this season as the best all round catcher in baseball, there is a lot to celebrate.In terms of the game itself, Riley Greene, making his third All-Star Game appearance, has been added to tonight’s starting lineup.
We thought we’d just put together a little round-up of clips from the Tigers’ All-Stars during media day. It’s been pretty fun watching the 43-year-old Verlander take it all in for the last time as he prepares to ride off into the sunset. The contrast between the legendary Tigers and Astros ace’s perspective, and that of the 21-year-old McGonigle’s first experience as a star player in the game, has been particularly fun to observe. Jokes have abounded regarding Verlander taking his three adult sons to the All-Star Game, as you’d expect. There have also been quite a few clips with Verlander reminiscing on his first All-Star Game back in 2007 and how the league and the game has changed.
Watching him chat with former foes like Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Alex Rodriguez, all now long retired, as he prepares to join them in the next phase of a ballplayer’s life has certainly provided some nostalgic moments as well.
Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander joins the show and talks about what led to his decision to retire at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/RZkdTYDrVB
— FOX Sports: MLB (MLBONFOX) July 13, 2026