call it a comeback

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander wins Comeback Player of the Year award

Justin Verlander Houston Astros All Star Game

Verlander is the no-brainer pick for the award.

Houston Astros/Facebook

Two years ago, Houston Astros All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander underwent serious Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. At 37, he faced a long rehab, missed the entire 2021 season, and faced down a potential end to his illustrious, Cy Young-winning career.

But that was two years ago. Fast forward to 2022, where Verlander has another World Series title, another Cy Young Award, and now, the 2022 American League Comeback Player of the Year, announced late Tuesday, November 22.

The 39-year-old Verlander becomes the first Astros player to score the award.

Officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball, the Comeback Player of the Year Awards have been presented each year since 2005 to one player in each league who has re-emerged on the field during the season. Beat reporters from 30 MLB teams select the winners from an original list of 30 candidates (one per MLB club).

This year marked the first season back after Tommy John surgery, a season where Verlander posted an American League-leading 18 wins and an astounding 1.75 ERA — the lowest in Astros full-season history. By the numbers, Verlander’s ERA is the lowest posted by an AL pitcher in a full season since Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez had a 1.74 ERA in his Cy Young season of 2000, per MLB stats.

In his 12 starts following an Astros loss, Verlander went 9-0 with a 1.11 ERA (9ER/73IP), per the Astros.

On November 10, Verlander opted out of his Astros deal and became a free agent. "I've kind of committed to myself that we're on this journey, and this journey has been incredible," he told reporters on a conference call after winning his third Cy Young on November 16.

Verlander will clearly test free agency and may not return. But between his World Series ring, Cy Young Award, and now Comeback Player of the Year honor, 2022 will be truly historic for the pitcher and the Astros.

Cougar Red and Houston Blue

UH expands 'Houston Blue' uniforms, despite NFL cease-and-desist

UH continues using Houston Blue uniforms despite NFL rebuke

Photo courtesy of Houston Athletics

Luv ya Blue running wild.

University of Houston Athletics are in a “Luv ya blue” mood and they don’t care who knows it — not even the NFL.

The university has announced that its football and volleyball teams will wear new Houston Blue jerseys, reminiscent of the classic colors of the Houston Oilers era. The volleyball team's uniform will debut theirs starting November 9 against Texas Tech, while the football team will debut theirs against Baylor on November 23. At the latter event, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative Houston Blue rally towels.

The resemblance of the new colors to the Oilers brand was not lost on the NFL. When UH Athletics started incorporating Houston Blue into their uniforms in September 2023, the NFL sent a cease-and-desist letter claiming the uniforms were an attempt to leech off the legacy of the Oilers and the intellectual property of the team now known as the Tennessee Titans. As if to prove the point, the Titans have occasionally worn Columbia blue throwback uniforms at certain games.

UH is unbothered according to vice president for intercollegiate athletics Eddie Nuñez.

“As a university deeply connected to the fabric of Houston, incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city’s rich history,” he said. “From iconic blue street markers to the Houston Police Department’s signature blue police cars and helicopters, this color holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with our fans and offer them the chance to show their pride through exclusive merchandise, making it an exciting time for Cougar Nation to rally together.”

The accompanying press release for the uniforms came with a helpful history lesson showing that the Oilers adopted a color widely associated with Houston, not the other way around. The city has incorporated blue into public infrastructure, from street curbs to city vehicles, since the 1920s. The Oilers weren’t even the first Houston team to use blue in their uniforms. That honor belongs to the minor league baseball team, the Houston Buffs. In addition, the university made minor changes to the uniform in response to the NFL's concerns.

UH will be offering a wide range of merchandise to sell in the new Houston Blue colors in person and online through the University of Houston Bookstore as well as at select local retailers. These include shirts, hats, polos, jerseys, and hoodies. Get them before the NFL sends a more strongly-worded letter.

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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.

university of houston houston blue