Justin Verlander’s grandfather seemingly confirms pitcher is dating Kate Upton

Thank goodness for the elderly and their honesty. Over the summer, rumors began swirling that Tigers ace Justin Verlander is dating swimsuit model Kate Upton. The gossip arose when Upton was spotted in Verlander’s suite at a Tigers game in July and a report claimed they attended an Aerosmith concert together and were getting “chummy” afterward. But it’s not like we heard any of this from Verlander’s own grandfather — until now.

Justin’s grandfather, Richard Verlander Sr., spoke to Celebuzz recently and all but confirmed his grandson and Upton are an item.

“I heard he has been on dates with a Sports Illustrated girl,” Richard said. “I saw a photo — she’s beautiful. They make a good looking pair because he’s a good looking man too.

“I do know he’s on the dating scene. Justin is a fine boy and whoever he ends up with is lucky. He’s not only a great baseball player, he’s a great guy.”

What makes the comments even more interesting is that they come merely a week after one of Kate’s uncles, Michigan Congressman Fred Upton, said he has “family reasons” for rooting for Verlander prior to the start of the ALDS.

You could argue that Richard is going off of the same information we are since he said he “heard” Justin has been on a few dates with her and that he “saw a photo,” but we have to assume his own grandfather knows more than the average blog or gossip site.

Verlander has pitched lights out in the postseason thus far and is the 2011 AL MVP, so his grandfather is right that he’s quite the catch. However, when I look at photos like this one I can’t help but feel like no one is good enough for Kate. Perhaps a World Series ring would soften my stance.