On Wednesday at Comerica Park, the lucky fans in attendance witnessed baseball history being made. Detroit Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera collected three hits, pushing him past Robin Yount for 30th on the all-time list.
Miggy is hanging up his batting gloves following this season. His farewell tour around MLB is nearly complete, though the Tigers will surely send him off in style late in September for the last home series.
Now that Cabrera’s career stats line is settling to a resting place for all-time, it’s a good opportunity to assess his place among the greats of baseball.
In the pantheon of baseball legends, few names shine as brightly as Cabrera. With a career spanning over two decades, Cabrera has left an indelible mark on the sport, etching his name into the annals of baseball history. From his early days as a promising rookie with the Marlins to his status as one of Detroit’s all-time greats, Cabrera's accomplishments and highlights are nothing short of remarkable.
Cabreras career so far
Cabrera's journey began in 2003 when he made his debut with the Florida Marlins at the tender age of 20. Even in those early days, it was clear that he was destined for greatness. In his rookie season, he showcased his prodigious hitting ability, finishing fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year award voting and setting the stage for what would become a storied career.
One of the hallmarks of Cabrera's career has been his incredible consistency at the plate. Year after year, he delivered a steady stream of powerful hits, earning numerous accolades along the way. In 2012, Cabrera accomplished a feat that had not been achieved in over 40 years: he became the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to win the elusive Triple Crown. This rare accomplishment, which requires leading the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in, solidified Cabrera's status as a true batting savant. His ability to excel in all three categories showcased his versatility and unparalleled skill as a hitter. He nearly duplicated it in 2013, when Cabrera won the batting crown again, and finished second in home runs and RBI.
Cabrera's impact extended beyond individual achievements; he was a cornerstone of his teams' successes. In 2003, he played a pivotal role in leading the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship, showcasing his ability to shine on the grandest stage. Then, in 2012, Cabrera's leadership and outstanding performance helped guide the Detroit Tigers to the American League pennant. While they fell short of a World Series title, Cabrera's presence on that team was instrumental in their deep postseason run. Eventually, Detroit won four consecutive division titles with Miggy leading the way at the plate.
Beyond his batting prowess, Cabrera's approach to the game earned him admiration from players, coaches, and fans alike. His work ethic and dedication to honing his craft were evident in his tireless preparation and relentless pursuit of improvement. Younger players looked up to Cabrera as a mentor, learning not only about the mechanics of hitting but also about the mental fortitude required to excel in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
2000 hits came back in 2014
Cabrera's milestone moments are woven into the fabric of baseball history. In 2014, he notched his 2,000-hit further cementing his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. He hit his 400th career homer the following season. These accomplishments, combined with his impressive longevity, showcased Cabrera's ability to sustain excellence over the course of his career.
As with any great athlete, Cabrera's journey has not been without its challenges. Injuries and setbacks tested his resilience, yet he continued to battle and strive for greatness. In recent years, as he pursued and ultimately achieved his 500th home run, Cabrera demonstrated the determination and unwavering commitment that have defined his career.
In August 2022, Cabrera achieved another monumental feat, becoming the 28th player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits. This milestone solidified his place in the pantheon of baseball legends, joining the ranks of Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, and Derek Jeter, among others. It was a moment of triumph that celebrated Cabrera's unparalleled skill, longevity, and dedication to the sport.
Cabrera's baseball journey is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and an unyielding passion for the game. His accomplishments and highlights have woven a narrative of excellence that will be recounted by fans and historians for generations to come. As he continues to add to his remarkable legacy, one thing remains clear: His impact on baseball, and the Tigers franchise, is legendary.
Michael McKean is an experienced writer with a portfolio that includes work on the subjects of sport, gambling, travel and finance. With a background rooted in journalism, Michael first ventured into the professional writing world based in Switzerland, where he wrote for a number of language and travel sites and magazines before moving into the world of sports writing and gambling sites.
As an avid soccer fan, who follows everything from the Scottish lower leagues to the European elites, he has earned himself a solid reputation as a reliable football betting tipster and predictor. Outside of work, Michael has always gotten involved with grassroutes football everywhere he has worked and lived - UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil - and still isn’t shy when it comes to pulling the boots on himself. As well as soccer, he has also developed a love of North American sports, particularly ice hockey - a love which began in Switzerland and saw him venture across the pond to follow the NHL. Moving away from dry land, he’s also a keen longboard surfer and is happiest when writing with a view of the ocean.
