Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers flamethrower who spun a no-hitter in a season evocative of hall-of-fame names like Koufax, Gibson and Carlton, will grace the packshot of Major League Baseball 2K12, 2K Sports said.
Verlander is the third pitcher in the past four years (with Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum) to hold down MLB 2K's cover. He led the American League in earned run average, strikeouts and wins, a "pitching triple crown" that practically assures a Cy Young award. His 24 victories are the most in the American League since Bob Welch's astounding 27 in 1990.
Verlander is also seen as the first starting pitcher capable of winning the American League MVP since Roger Clemens took the honor in 1986. The award's winner will be announced later this month.
"It's a dream come true to be on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K12," Verlander said in a statement. "I've worked closely with 2K Sports on the MLB 2K series since 2007, and I couldn't be more excited to continue my relationship with such a great baseball game."
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