Verlander throws the ball at his own leg, a breakdown

Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros takes the mound in a tie game during the World Series. The veteran right-hander, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career, winds up and delivers a pitch to the batter. As he follows through on his throwing motion, Verlander accidentally hits his own leg with the baseball, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter. Verlander, known for his athleticism and precise control, is visibly caught off guard by the mishap. The cameras capture his reaction as he looks down at his leg in disbelief, realizing his embarrassing mistake. Teammate Alex Bregman, the Astros' third baseman, can be seen chuckling and shaking his head in amusement at Verlander's comical blunder. "I'm the best ever," Verlander says with a laugh, acknowledging his uncharacteristic lapse in execution. The veteran pitcher has long been considered one of the most dominant and talented players in the game, so this moment of clumsiness provides a rare glimpse of his human side. The opposing dugout also seems to find humor in the situation, with Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker and others sharing a laugh at Verlander's expense. "He's my favorite pitcher to watch," Tucker says, suggesting that even Verlander's opponents can appreciate the lighter side of the game. The incident occurs in a high-stakes World Series matchup, with the game tied and both teams fighting for the championship. Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, has been a key part of the Astros' success over the years, but this moment serves as a reminder that even the greatest players can sometimes fall victim to the unpredictable nature of the sport. As the game continues, the focus shifts back to the action on the field, but the memory of Verlander's self-inflicted mishap will likely linger in the minds of the players, coaches and fans in attendance. It's a lighthearted moment that showcases the humanity and humor that can be found in the intensity of professional sports.