Best Local Pro Athlete

It is a special, magical feeling just watching Justin Verlander step onto the mound, a knots-in-your-stomach-and-a-smirk-you-can't-wipe-away feeling. Not only did he unanimously win the American League Cy Young award, but he defied statistics and history by becoming the first starting pitcher since 1986 to become MVP. He threw a no-hitter to boot. Verlander set a new standard for what a major league pitcher can and should be. A win from Verlander is simply not enough at this point. A win from Verlander has become the new minimum standard, and it's exciting to think that we can look forward to a potential no-hitter every time he hits the mound. Verlander has certainly become the face of the Tigers organization, but also all of Detroit sports.