Justin Verlander becomes 10th pitcher to reach 3,500 strikeouts

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On Sunday afternoon, baseball fans watched history unfold as Justin Verlander became just the 10th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to notch 3,500 career strikeouts.

He hit the milestone during the San Francisco Giants’ matchup against the Washington Nationals. Verlander’s place among the sport’s greatest pitchers feels even more secure now.

The crowd at Oracle Park erupted in a standing ovation. It’s not every day you see a pitcher join legends like Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson.

Verlander Reaches Rare Strikeout Milestone

Verlander came into the game in San Francisco knowing he needed just three more strikeouts to join one of baseball’s most exclusive clubs.

He wasted no time. In the first inning, he struck out Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas, racking up strikeout number 3,500 of his career.

The home crowd stood and cheered. Verlander responded with a quick, humble tip of his cap—a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

One of the Game’s Most Elite Clubs

Only nine pitchers before Verlander have ever reached the 3,500-strikeout mark.

This isn’t just about talent. It’s about longevity, durability, and real, sustained excellence. Here’s the full list of these legendary arms:

• Nolan Ryan – 5,714 strikeouts
• Randy Johnson – 4,875
• Roger Clemens – 4,672
• Steve Carlton – 4,136
• Bert Blyleven – 3,701
• Tom Seaver – 3,640
• Don Sutton – 3,574
• Gaylord Perry – 3,534
• Walter Johnson – 3,509
• Justin Verlander – 3,500*

*Verlander’s total will keep climbing as the season rolls on.

A Career Defined by Dominance

Few modern pitchers have shown the kind of steady dominance Verlander brings to the mound. Over 20 seasons, he’s collected multiple Cy Young Awards and a World Series MVP.

He’s built a reputation as a fierce competitor, both in the regular season and when the stakes are highest in October. Even after injuries—including Tommy John surgery—Verlander found ways to adapt, mixing mid-90s heat with sharp control and a nasty curveball.

Defying Time at 42 Years Old

Verlander’s age makes this milestone even more impressive. At 42, when most pitchers have already retired, he’s still pitching at an elite level.

Like the legends before him, he’s tweaked his approach. He leans more on sequencing, location, and that relentless competitive drive, rather than just pure speed.

The Game Itself & The Bigger Picture

The milestone happened in a game the Giants didn’t win. The Nationals took the victory, but honestly, the final score felt less important than the moment itself.

Baseball is about those flashes you remember years down the line. Verlander’s 3,500th strikeout? That’s one of them.

A Legacy Still Growing

With every start, Verlander keeps adding to his Hall of Fame resume. Whether or not he wins another championship this season, his place in baseball history feels pretty much locked in.

Each strikeout now isn’t just a number—it’s another moment in the career of one of baseball’s most respected pitchers. For someone who’s seen and done almost everything in the game, Sunday’s achievement didn’t feel like the last word.

It’s another chapter in a story that’s still unfolding, one perfectly placed fastball at a time.

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Here is the source article for this story: Justin Verlander becomes 10th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,500 strikeouts as Nationals roll over Giants