Article from The Goochland Gazette

Goochland rallies around Verlander
By Wesley Hester
October 19, 2006

You might’ve heard about Justin Verlander by now.
He’s the former Goochland High School and Old Dominion
University baseball standout who’s wrapping up his first season
in the majors pitching for the Detroit Tigers. Oh, and he’ll also
be playing in the World Series.
Last week, while helping steer the Tigers to victory over the
Oakland A’s in the American League Championship Series,
Verlander garnered a little national attention for his hometown,
and one popular local barbecue joint.
Grandpa Eddie’s Alabama Ribs & BBQ in Centerville opened about a year ago and since then its patrons and its owner have become unified by two things: a love of barbecue and support
for Justin Verlander.
The Detroit Free Press last week wrote a story entitled
“Goochland aglow over its Verlander” about the ace righthander’s
cult following in his hometown. In the story, GrandpaEddie’s is mentioned as one example of Goochland’s Verlander fanaticism.
As stated in the article, the restaurant has put “GO VERLANDER GO” on the marquee off of Broad Street Road.
“Everyone here is very excited for Justin. Ever since we put his name on our marquee, a lot of our customers tell me how they know him or his family,” said Grandpa Eddie’s owner Carey Friedman. “In every story I hear, someone says how nice they are.
I spoke to his dad last week and you could hear that his voice was brimming with pride,” he added.
His dad wouldn’t argue with that. “It’s unbelievable,” said Richard Verlander of his son’s unfinished rookie season ride.
“If I’m dreaming, don’t pinch me.” Justin Verlander, the 23-year old Goochland native whose family now lives in Hadensville is considered by many to be a shoo-in for the AL Rookie of the Year. Others have wondered if he shouldn’t be the AL MVP.
Verlander and the Tigers will face either the St. Louis Cardinals or the New York Mets in the WorldSeries. Tied at two games a piece,game five of the NL series was scheduled for Tuesday night.
“I called Justin the other day and said, ‘You know you’ve arrived when you see your name on the marquee at Grandpa Eddie’s,’”said Richard with a laugh. “But the community has just been so supportive; it’s a little overwhelming to be honest.”
And the hysteria is not fading.On Monday, Grandpa Eddie’s announced the latest addition to its menu: The Verlander Burger. Yep, that’s right. The special will remain on the menu until the end ofthe World Series, maybe longer.
It’s a 100 percent certified Angus burger with grilled smoked brisket,two slices of cheddar cheese and Grandpa Eddie’s Birmingham BBQ Sauce all on a griddled potato Kaiser roll.
And it’s served with French Fries and a kosher pickle.
“It is just a great story about really good people,” said Friedman.
“Everyone wants to root for the small town kid, who is now pitching in the World Series.”