When JV walks back into the Home locker room for the first time…

He walks in, excited to see a group of guys he’s come to know so well over the better part of the last 6 years, expecting a warm welcome.

“Well, did you miss me?” He says with a big smile. But he stands there for a few seconds, and nobody says anything. In fact, barely anyone even turns around to acknowledge him.

Altuve turns and gives him a slight nod, but that’s it. Tucker glances at him but quickly turns away when Verlander looks back. Peña, just stares at him blankly and says nothing.

Confused, Verlander slowly walks to an empty locker he’s very familiar with and sets his bag inside. Behind him, he hears a snort. It’s Bregman. He finally cracked and let’s put a big laugh. Everyone else starts laughing too as they run over to greet their friend.

Verlander’s smile comes back, now even bigger than when he walked in. “You guys had me for a minute.”

After a few high fives and a wet Willy to Yordan, he walks to the front of the locker room and turns to look at his new (old) teammates.

“You guys know that there were no hard feelings with me leaving. I just had to do what I thought was best for me and my family. I love it here. It’s like home, and it’s great to be back. But there’s just one thing I’m gonna say…”

“Let’s go win another fucking World Series.”

LET’S GO BOYS! BACK TO BACK!