Challenges Faced by Miguel Cabrera: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Miguel Cabrera faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Miguel Cabrera, a Venezuelan former professional baseball player, had an illustrious 21-season MLB career with the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. A two-time AL MVP, four-time AL batting champion, and 12-time All-Star, Cabrera primarily played first and third base after initially playing in the outfield. Notably, he achieved the 17th MLB Triple Crown in 2012, a feat unmatched for 45 seasons. Cabrera is one of only three players with a career batting average over .300, 500+ home runs, and 3,000+ hits, placing him among baseball's elite alongside Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 3, 2009: Cabrera Involved in Incident at Home

In the early morning of October 3, 2009, police were called to Miguel Cabrera's home after he got into an argument with his wife. He was later seen at a game with scratches on his face.

October 2009: Cabrera's Arrest

Miguel Cabrera said that he had not consumed any alcohol since he was taken into custody in October 2009, and that he would continue his treatment into spring training and the regular season.

January 21, 2010: Cabrera Enters Alcohol Abuse Treatment

On January 21, 2010, it was reported that Miguel Cabrera spent three months in an alcohol abuse treatment center.

2010: High Ankle Sprain

On September 26, 2010, Miguel Cabrera suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against the Cleveland Indians and was shut down for the season. Despite the injury, Cabrera ended the 2010 season with a .328 batting average, 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs. He also led AL first basemen in errors, with 13.

February 16, 2011: Cabrera Arrested for DUI

On February 16, 2011, Miguel Cabrera was arrested in Florida on suspicion of drunken driving and resisting arrest.

2012: Move to Third Base and Injury

In 2012, Miguel Cabrera moved back to third base after the signing of Prince Fielder. During spring training, Cabrera was struck below the eye by a ground ball, breaking a bone, but recovered to play on opening day.

2014: Ankle and Foot Surgery

On October 24, 2014, Miguel Cabrera underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his right ankle and repair a stress fracture in his foot, which had affected his performance during the season.

August 2017: Child Support Dispute Filed Against Cabrera

In August 2017, Miguel Cabrera was in a Florida court litigating a case brought against him by his former mistress, Belkis Mariella Rodriguez, over a child support dispute.

2017: Cabrera reaches milestones amidst ailments in 2017

In 2017, plagued by back ailments and stiffness, Miguel Cabrera was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right groin strain, recorded his 450th career home run, his 1,000th career extra-base hit and his 1,600th career RBI.

2017: Cabrera diagnosed with herniated discs in 2017

On September 24, 2017, Miguel Cabrera was diagnosed with two herniated discs in his back. He finished the 2017 season with a career-low .249 batting average and a career-low .399 slugging percentage.

May 4, 2018: Cabrera placed on disabled list with hamstring strain

On May 4, 2018, Miguel Cabrera was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right hamstring strain.

December 2018: Court Orders Cabrera to Pay Child Support

In December 2018, the Orange County Circuit Court ordered Miguel Cabrera to pay $20,000 a month in child support to his ex-mistress, additional expenses, and her attorneys' fees.

2019: Cabrera's Knee Issues in 2019

In 2019, Miguel Cabrera struggled with knee issues, leading the Tigers to move him into a full-time designated hitter role by early June. His .398 slugging percentage for the year was the lowest of his career.