As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!

I enjoyed my interview with Richard Verlander. Not only is he the father of one of today’s top major league baseball pitchers, but also an author, along with his wife Kathy. They are remarkable people, and Richard is a very proud dad. I am looking forward to reading their book. Richard and Kathy Verlander tell the inspiring story of raising Justin and younger son, Ben, starting with the front lawn where father and son threw their first pitch together, to Comerica Park in Detroit, where Justin has pitched in the Major League World Series. I hope you enjoy the interview.

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Richard Verlander – Author- Rocks Across the Pond, Father of 2011 American League Cy Young/MVP winner Justin Verlander, and his brother Ben, who is a scholar athlete at Old Dominion University, age 57.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

As a child my parents were my inspiration. While we were growing up “eating healthy and fitness” were not household words, but my mom always made sure we stayed active, had 3 square meals a day, and that we always ate together as a family. We have tried to do the same with our own children as they grew up. We believe that eating supper together is a cornerstone of quality family time.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

They worked hard and were physically active. They led by example. It was a different era. We were expected to cut the grass, do household chores, and not sit around doing nothing. If we were not outside on a nice day they would get us moving.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

My parents taught us the value of teamwork. By watching their example we learned that staying fit mentally and physically is best achieved in an atmosphere that is loving and positive. My dad has been challenged by very poor eyesight most of his adult life and yet never let that stop him from being very successful. These are lessons learned through example and later as parents ourselves my wife Kathy and I tried to instill these values in our own children. Overcoming adversity in my family meant working together as a team.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
Yes. We often have occasion to speak with youth groups about influences, and emphasize how important the family structure is to staying on track and growing to their full potential. We share stories about witnessing many young athletes eliminate themselves from maximizing their gifts and fulfilling their dreams.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

Get outside. Stay active. Play a sport. Children don’t need to be gym rats or marathoners to stay in shape. Make exercise fun and it will remain so for an entire lifetime.

Get enough rest! Ours is a sleep deprived society. Youngsters and their parents put in great amounts of time and money to be in position to compete for top schools, scholarships, and jobs, yet fail to realize that both physical and academic activity is severely compromised if they are up playing video games till after midnight every night. Growing minds and bodies need a minimum of 8-10 hours of sleep.
Listen to your parents, coaches and teachers. Its ok to be different.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

Yes! Please see us at verlanderbook.com