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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/27/26

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week.


Verlander's Finale

There's something beautiful about baseball retirements. The curtain call, the last game scenario, and even the final walk off the mound. The game is beautiful like that in many ways. 

Justin Verlander finally decided to call it a career in 2026. This weekend he made his final start in a Detroit Tigers uniform that defined his career. A sure first-ballot Hall of Famer, Verlander stood atop a mound and broke down into tears as his daughter ran out of the dugout toward her dad with a huge hug. 

In that moment, his career, while amazing, felt like the background to this amazing moment, which felt bigger than just a celebration of Justin Verlander, the Hall of Fame pitcher. 

In that moment, I think every dad identified not so much with throwing 100mph and having electric stuff, but with that moment...and sharing it with your kid(s). 


The Robots Feel Like They Can Take Over

We've seen it in movies for years...robots taking over the world. 

Well, we're here.

This week's story about OpenAI's A.I. going rogue and meddling with government sites and digital security is horrifying! Isn't our government's data and digital security considered the toughest to, well...meddle with? 

What chance do I and my measly password have? 

We're cooked, aren't we?


Appreciate Life - Here Tonight, Gone Tomorrow

As I was finalizing my thoughts for this week's SSR, the news broke, and the pro wrestling world learned of the passing of Benjamin Satterly, known as "Pac" (fka Neville in the WWE). Pac was widely considered a supremely talented dude in wrestling fandom. He literally - literally! - wrestled just last night at AEW's All In event in Chicago, Illinois. 

Hug your loved ones. This life is so fragile and precious. This story is just a reminder of that. 


Cover Photo

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) hugs his daughter on the mound during his last MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

David Rodriguez-Munoz, Detroit Free Press

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