When LA Angels visiting clubhouse manager Brian Harkins accused Justin Verlander and other players of ball doctoring in 2021
In 2021, Brian Harkins, a former Los Angeles Angels employee, opened up on how many major-league pitchers, including Justin Verlander, used a grip concoction engineered by him.
” and Justin Verlander’s claims for why MLB is suddenly taking all this serious — that, and more, submitted as evidence in Brian Harkins’ quest to prove he was made a scapegoat. ... es.pn/3qcWH9pA text from Gerrit Cole asking for help with a “sticky situation 😉” and Justin Verlander’s claims for why MLB is suddenly taking all this serious — that, and more, submitted as evidence in Brian Harkins’ quest to prove he was made a scapegoat. ... es.pn/3qcWH9p
According to documents filed in a California state court, the word about the “sticky stuff” made its rounds in the league as far back as 2005. This thanks to Angels closer Troy Percival. Once the word spread, numerous Tiger pitchers were out and on the lookout for it.
In a declaration that was part of his lawsuit against the Angels and Major League Baseball, Harkins wrote:
"Tiger players visiting the Angels clubhouse began asking me to prepare it for them and that Percival told them I knew how. I did so as a courtesy. After all, my job was hospitality for visiting players."
Harkins also claimed that Verlander texted him personally asking to be sorted out. He quoted Verlander as saying that the league has let ball doctoring go on for years.
“The league has let this go on for 100 years,” Brian quoted Verlander's text to him.
"I can’t believe it’s been 10 years!!! This will forever be one of my favorite moments. #FBF" - Justin Verlander, Instagram
Verlander hasn’t responded to the claims in Harkins’ lawsuit, which was filed in August 2021.
Harkins held the position of visiting clubhouse manager with the Los Angeles Angels for a whopping 30 years. He initially joined the Angels as a batboy in 1981.
He was fired by the organization when MLB sent notices around the league that deemed pitchers doctoring baseballs as illegal. The memo was drafted after the Houston Astros’ famous sign-stealing scandal.
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"The Houston Astros’ 2017 Cheating Scandal: What Happened" - Patrick LaForge, Twitter
Justin Verlander has 9 All-Star team selections
Justin Verlander has been a pitching sensation at both the Tigers and Astros, and it has translated into two World Series Championships.
"Still on cloud 9… WE DID IT!!!!" - Justin Verlander, Instagram
In addition to his World Series championships, Verlander has won:
- 2006 American League Rookie of the Year Award
- 3 American League Cy Young Awards
- AL Most Valuable Player Award
- AL Pitching Title (2011 AL Triple Crown)
He has also been a part of a whopping nine All-Star team selections.
Justin Verlander is the 11th pitcher in MLB history to win 3 Cy Young Awards 🤩 https://t.co/eAE3UjyRFl
"Justin Verlander is the 11th pitcher in MLB history to win 3 Cy Young Awards" - FOX Sports: MLB, Twitter