Dave Dombrowski and Justin Verlander know each other extremely well from their 11 years spent together with the Tigers. In fact, they know each other so well that they’re able to … remember what the other smells like?
As Justin Verlander approached the podium for his pre-start press conference ahead of Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies on Friday night, Dombrowski -- who is now the Phillies’ president of baseball operations -- popped out of the crowd to shake Verlander’s hand and wish him and his family well.
As Dombrowski walked away, Verlander remarked that Dombrowski was “still wearing the same cologne” from their time in Detroit.
"I smell it. It's a very distinct one. I remember that smell," Verlander said.
Dombrowski, who served as the Tigers’ general manager and president from 2002-15, selected Verlander with the No. 2 pick in the 2004 Draft. Verlander spent parts of 13 seasons in Detroit, where he earned a Cy Young Award and an MVP Award (both in 2011), in addition to six All-Star Game appearances and five postseason berths. The Tigers reached the World Series twice during their tenures, in 2006 and 2012.
While Verlander and Dombrowski have come a long way since their time in Detroit -- they both won World Series at their next stops after leaving the Tigers, Dombrowski with the Red Sox and Verlander with the Astros -- Thursday’s handshake was a full-circle moment for two of baseball’s best at their respective positions.