History of Miguel Cabrera in Timeline
José Miguel Cabrera, nicknamed "Miggy," is a celebrated Venezuelan former professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional hitting prowess. His illustrious career spanned from 2003 to 2023, during which he played for the Florida Marlins and the Detroit Tigers. Throughout his tenure, he garnered numerous accolades, including two American League Most Valuable Player awards, four American League batting championships, and 12 MLB All-Star selections. Notably, he achieved the coveted Triple Crown in 2012, a feat not accomplished in 45 years. Cabrera's legacy is cemented in baseball history as one of only three players to achieve a career batting average exceeding .300, 500 home runs, and 3,000 hits. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters of all time.
1900: Early Walk-Off Home Runs
The fact that only three players since 1900, including Miguel Cabrera, hit game-winning home runs in their major league debuts highlights the rarity of this achievement.
1917: Start of Ty Cobb's Three Consecutive Batting Titles
Ty Cobb's impressive streak of three straight batting titles began in 1917, a feat that wouldn't be replicated by a Detroit Tiger until Miguel Cabrera achieved it in 2013.
1919: End of Ty Cobb's Three Consecutive Batting Titles
Ty Cobb's run of three consecutive batting titles concluded in 1919, marking a significant achievement for the Detroit Tigers outfielder.
1920: Reaching 1,800 RBIs
A significant personal achievement for Cabrera came when he achieved his 1,800th career RBI, making him the 20th player in MLB history to reach this milestone, as officially recognized by the MLB. The ranking differs slightly on Baseball Reference, which includes RBIs before 1920.
1920: Batting Title in the Live-Ball Era
Cabrera's 2015 batting title was especially significant because it made him only the second right-handed batter in the live-ball era (since 1920) to win at least four AL batting titles.
1920: Start of Rogers Hornsby's Three Straight Batting Titles
Rogers Hornsby, a renowned right-handed batter, began his run of three consecutive batting titles in 1920, showcasing his hitting prowess.
1934: Lou Gehrig's Triple Crown Win as a Non-Outfielder
Lou Gehrig's 1934 Triple Crown win was notable for being the last time a non-outfielder achieved this feat before Miguel Cabrera in 2012.
1935: Hank Greenberg's First MVP Award
Hank Greenberg secured his first American League MVP Award in 1935, showcasing his exceptional talent and contribution to the Detroit Tigers.
1937: Hank Greenberg's Four Consecutive 30 Home Run Seasons
Hank Greenberg achieved four consecutive seasons with at least 30 home runs from 1937 to 1940 as a member of the Detroit Tigers.
1937: Hank Greenberg's Back-to-Back 40 Home Run Seasons
Hank Greenberg hit 40 or more home runs in consecutive seasons (1937-1938) as a member of the Detroit Tigers.
1940: Hank Greenberg's Second MVP Award
In 1940, Hank Greenberg earned his second American League MVP Award, further cementing his legacy as a dominant player for the Detroit Tigers.
1941: Start of Ted Williams' Back-to-Back MVP Awards
Ted Williams began his impressive run of consecutive Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Awards in 1941, solidifying his place as one of the game's greats.
1944: Start of Hal Newhouser's Consecutive MVP Awards
Hal Newhouser's remarkable performance earned him the first of his consecutive American League MVP Awards in 1944, beginning a period of dominance as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
1952: Record-Breaking Hitting Streak
In September 2021, Cabrera had an impressive run with nine consecutive plate appearances with a hit. This accomplishment marked the longest streak for a Detroit Tigers player since Walt Dropo's 12 consecutive hits in 1952.
1966: Frank Robinson's Untied Triple Crown Victory
Frank Robinson's 1966 Triple Crown win was significant for being the last time a player achieved it without a tie in any of the three categories before Miguel Cabrera in 2012.
1967: Carl Yastrzemski's Triple Crown
Carl Yastrzemski last achieved the Triple Crown in 1967, a testament to the rarity of Miguel Cabrera's accomplishment in 2012.
1967: Carl Yastrzemski's Triple Crown Season
In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski became the last player before Miguel Cabrera to win the Triple Crown.
1972: Billy Parker's Walk-Off Home Run
Billy Parker's walk-off home run in his major league debut in 1972 served as a precursor to Miguel Cabrera's similar accomplishment in 2003.
1975: Start of Joe Morgan's Back-to-Back MVP Awards
Joe Morgan's dominance earned him consecutive Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Awards starting in 1975, a testament to his exceptional skills and impact on the game.
1980: Silver Slugger Award Winner Since 1980
Winning the Silver Slugger Award in 2016 put Cabrera among the elite group of players who have won seven or more Silver Slugger awards since the award was introduced in 1980.
April 18, 1983: Birth of Miguel Cabrera
On April 18, 1983, José Miguel Cabrera Torres, nicknamed "Miggy", was born. He would go on to become a celebrated Venezuelan professional baseball player.
1985: Start of Wade Boggs' Three Consecutive Batting Titles
Wade Boggs started his streak of three consecutive batting titles in 1985, a feat that highlighted his exceptional hitting ability.
1990: Cecil Fielder's Back-to-Back 40 Home Run Seasons
Cecil Fielder achieved back-to-back seasons with at least 40 home runs in 1990 and 1991 while playing for the Detroit Tigers.
1990: Cecil Fielder's Four Consecutive 30 Home Run Seasons
Cecil Fielder hit 30 or more home runs for four consecutive seasons from 1990 to 1993 while playing for the Detroit Tigers.
1993: Start of Frank Thomas' Back-to-Back MVP Awards
Frank Thomas, playing for the Chicago White Sox, commenced his streak of consecutive American League MVP Awards in 1993, showcasing his exceptional performance and value to his team.
1994: End of Frank Thomas' Back-to-Back MVP Awards
Frank Thomas concluded his consecutive American League MVP Award wins in 1994, marking a historic achievement for the Chicago White Sox slugger.
December 1999: First Professional Hit
At 16 years old, Miguel Cabrera marked a milestone by recording his first professional hit while playing for Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League in December 1999.
1999: Signing with the Marlins
Miguel Cabrera's journey to Major League Baseball began in 1999 when he signed with the Florida Marlins as an amateur free agent. He developed alongside future stars Adrián González and Dontrelle Willis.
2000: Professional Debut and Position Change
Miguel Cabrera's professional baseball career started in 2000 as a shortstop in the Gulf Coast League. He was later moved to third base by manager Bill Plummer while playing for the Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League.
2000: Previous Youngest AL Home Run Champion
Prior to Miguel Cabrera's home run title in 2008, Troy Glaus was the youngest player to lead the American League in home runs, achieving the feat in 2000.
2001: Promotion and Futures Game Appearance
Miguel Cabrera's performance earned him a promotion to the Low Class-A Kane County Cougars in 2001. His talent was recognized with a selection to the Futures Game during All-Star Weekend.
2002: Josh Bard's Walk-Off Home Run
Josh Bard's walk-off home run in his first major league game in 2002 added to the historical significance of Miguel Cabrera's similar feat in 2003.
June 20, 2003: Major League Debut and Walk-Off Home Run
On June 20, 2003, Miguel Cabrera announced his arrival in the major leagues in style, hitting a memorable walk-off home run in his very first game. This feat placed him among an elite group of players to achieve this distinction.
2003: MLB Debut and World Series Victory
In 2003, at the age of 20, Miguel Cabrera made his Major League Baseball debut. He played a key role in the Florida Marlins' World Series victory that year.
2003: Cabrera's Rookie Year World Series Home Run
Miguel Cabrera hit a home run during the 2003 World Series as a rookie with the Florida Marlins.
2003: MLB Debut with the Marlins
Miguel Cabrera's Major League Baseball debut came in mid-2003 with the Florida Marlins, following a period of development in their minor league system.
2003: Postseason Heroics and World Series Championship
Miguel Cabrera's impact on the 2003 postseason was significant, with his clutch hitting and positional flexibility contributing to the Florida Marlins' World Series triumph.
2003: Double-A Success and Call-Up to Majors
The year 2003 saw Miguel Cabrera's continued rise through the minor leagues with the Double-A Carolina Mudcats. His impressive performance earned him a call-up to the major leagues in June.
April 20, 2004: 100th Career Hit and All-Star Selection
On April 20, 2004, Miguel Cabrera reached the 100-hit milestone in his young career. His exceptional performance earned him his first All-Star Game selection that same year.
2004: Start of Consecutive 100+ RBI Seasons
Miguel Cabrera's consistency in driving in runs was evident in his streak of 11 consecutive seasons with 100 or more runs batted in, beginning in 2004.
2005: Previous Largest Contract in Tigers History
In 2005, Magglio Ordóñez signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, which was the largest in Tigers history until Cabrera's 2008 extension.
2005: Offensive Prowess and Accolades
Miguel Cabrera's offensive prowess was on full display in 2005 as he finished second in the National League in hits. His accomplishments were recognized with an All-Star selection and his first Silver Slugger Award.
June 22, 2006: Game-Winning Hit off Intentional Walk
During a game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 22, 2006, Miguel Cabrera hit a game-winning single off a pitch that was intended to be an intentional ball. The hit occurred in the 10th inning and gave the Marlins a 6-5 victory.
2006: All-Star Season and Batting Title Race
In 2006, Miguel Cabrera had another impressive season, finishing with a .339 batting average, 26 home runs, and 114 RBIs. He was selected for his third consecutive All-Star Game, won his second Silver Slugger Award, and narrowly missed out on the National League batting title.
2006: Position Change
While Miguel Cabrera initially played in left and right field, he transitioned to primarily playing first and third base after 2006.
2006: Personal Life and Religious Beliefs
Cabrera is a devout Catholic and also practices Santería, having become a babalawo in 2006. He is married to Rosangel, and they have two daughters and a son together. He also has two children from a previous relationship.
September 15, 2007: 100-RBI Season and First Grand Slam
On September 15, 2007, in a game against the Colorado Rockies, Miguel Cabrera achieved two significant milestones: he drove in his 100th RBI of the season for the fourth consecutive year and hit his first career grand slam.
December 5, 2007: Trade to the Detroit Tigers
On December 5, 2007, Miguel Cabrera was traded from the Florida Marlins to the Detroit Tigers along with pitcher Dontrelle Willis in exchange for a package of players, including Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, and Mike Rabelo.
2007: Alex Rodriguez's Record Contract with the Yankees
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez signed a then-record-breaking contract with the New York Yankees worth $275 million, which stood as the largest contract in baseball history until Miguel Cabrera's extension in 2014.
2007: Career Highs and Franchise Records
Miguel Cabrera had a remarkable season in 2007, setting career highs in home runs (34) and RBIs (119) while maintaining a .320 batting average. He also earned two NL Player of the Week awards and moved up in the Marlins' all-time franchise records for home runs, RBIs, and batting average.
2007: Arbitration Win
Miguel Cabrera won his arbitration hearing in 2007, securing a one-year contract worth $7.4 million.
March 22, 2008: $152.3 Million Contract Extension
Miguel Cabrera signed a historic eight-year, $152.3 million contract extension with the Detroit Tigers on March 22, 2008. It was the fourth-largest contract in Major League Baseball history at the time and the largest contract in Tigers' history.
March 31, 2008: Tigers Debut and Home Run
On March 31, 2008, Miguel Cabrera made his debut for the Detroit Tigers, playing third base against the Kansas City Royals. In his third at-bat, he hit a solo home run.
July 2008: Cabrera's First AL Player of the Month Award
Miguel Cabrera earned his first American League Player of the Month Award in July 2008.
2008: Trade to the Detroit Tigers
After several successful seasons with the Florida Marlins, Miguel Cabrera was traded to the Detroit Tigers before the start of the 2008 season.
2008: Start of Albert Pujols' Back-to-Back MVP Awards
Albert Pujols' remarkable performance earned him consecutive Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Awards beginning in 2008, solidifying his status as one of the era's dominant players.
2008: AL Home Run Title and Consistent RBI Production
In 2008, Miguel Cabrera led the American League with a career-high 37 home runs, becoming the youngest AL home run champion since Troy Glaus in 2000. He also set a new career-high in RBIs (127) and extended his streak of consecutive 100-RBI seasons to five.
August 23, 2009: 200th Career Home Run
Miguel Cabrera hit his 200th career home run on August 23, 2009, during a game against the Oakland Athletics, becoming the fourth Venezuelan-born player to reach that milestone.
October 3, 2009: Domestic Dispute and Alcohol-Related Incident
In a controversial event, police were called to Cabrera's residence following an argument with his wife after a night of heavy drinking. Despite visible scratches on his face, he downplayed the incident, attributing them to his dog. Reports later revealed a significantly elevated blood alcohol level.
2009: World Baseball Classic Participation
Miguel Cabrera represented Venezuela in the 2009 World Baseball Classic alongside Detroit Tigers teammates Magglio Ordóñez, Carlos Guillén, and Armando Galarraga.
2009: Consistent Offensive Production
Miguel Cabrera maintained his high level of offensive performance in 2009, finishing the season with a .324 batting average (fourth in the American League), tying his career-high in hits with 198, and recording his sixth consecutive season with at least 100 RBIs.
January 21, 2010: Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
Following the October 2009 incident, Cabrera publicly addressed his struggles with alcohol abuse and commitment to recovery. He revealed undergoing three months of treatment and vowed to continue seeking help during spring training and the regular season.
2010: Injury, Career Highs, and MVP Runner-Up
Despite suffering a high ankle sprain late in the 2010 season, Miguel Cabrera finished with a .328 batting average, a career-high 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs. He led the American League with 32 intentional walks and finished second in the AL MVP voting to Josh Hamilton.
2010: AL MVP Runner-Up
Miguel Cabrera's outstanding 2010 season, which included a .328 batting average, 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs, earned him a second-place finish in the American League MVP voting. Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton won the award.
February 16, 2011: Arrest for DUI and Resisting Arrest
On February 16, 2011, Cabrera was arrested in Florida on suspicion of drunk driving and resisting arrest. He eventually entered a "no contest" plea to Driving Under the Influence, while the resisting arrest charge was dropped. He was sentenced without additional jail time.
September 2011: Exceptional September and Playoff Performance
Miguel Cabrera had a stellar September in 2011, hitting .429 with six home runs and 21 RBIs, which helped propel the Detroit Tigers into the playoffs. In the American League Championship Series, he continued his hot streak, batting .400 with four doubles, three home runs, and seven RBIs, but the Tigers lost to the Texas Rangers.
2011: Top 10 Rankings in Career Batting Statistics
By the end of the 2011 season, Miguel Cabrera had established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball, ranking sixth among active players in career batting average (.317), seventh in slugging percentage (.555), and seventh in OPS (.950).
2011: AL Batting Title and Offensive Dominance
In 2011, Miguel Cabrera won the American League batting title with a .344 average while leading the league in on-base percentage (.448) and doubles (48). He recorded his eighth consecutive 100-RBI season (105), hit 30 home runs for the fifth straight year, and set a new career-high in walks (108).
2011: Start of Consecutive Batting Titles
Miguel Cabrera's dominance as a hitter was evident in his three consecutive American League batting titles from 2011 to 2013.
August 2012: Cabrera's Second AL Player of the Month Award
August 2012 marked the second time Miguel Cabrera was named American League Player of the Month.
October 27, 2012: Miguel Cabrera Wins the AL Hank Aaron Award
On October 27, 2012, Miguel Cabrera was awarded the AL Hank Aaron Award, recognizing the best hitter in each league.
2012: First Triple Crown Since 1967
Miguel Cabrera's 2012 Triple Crown was a historic achievement, marking the first time since Carl Yastrzemski's win in 1967 that a player had accomplished this feat.
2012: Prince Fielder's Contract
Prince Fielder signed a nine-year, $214 million deal with the Detroit Tigers in 2012, surpassing Cabrera's contract as the largest in team history.
2012: Position Change, Spring Training Injury, and Opening Day Start
In 2012, Miguel Cabrera was set to move from first base back to third base after the Tigers signed Prince Fielder. During spring training, he suffered a broken bone below his right eye from a ground ball hit by Hunter Pence. Despite this, after consulting with the team's orbital surgeon, Cabrera was determined to be ready for Opening Day on April 5th and was in the starting lineup.
2012: Cabrera Homers, Tigers Swept in 2012 World Series
Miguel Cabrera hit his first World Series home run since his rookie year in Game 4 of the 2012 World Series. However, the Detroit Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants, with Cabrera striking out for the final out.
2012: Triple Crown Achievement
In 2012, Miguel Cabrera achieved the rare feat of winning the Triple Crown, leading the American League in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in. This accomplishment, the first in 45 seasons, solidified his place among baseball's elite.
2012: Cabrera's Historic First Half Pace in 2013
By the 2013 All-Star break, Miguel Cabrera was on a historic pace, surpassing even his Triple Crown-winning 2012 season. He became the first player in MLB history to have 30 home runs and 90 RBIs before the All-Star break.
2012: Philanthropic Work and Community Engagement
Beyond his baseball career, Cabrera is deeply involved in charitable initiatives. In 2012, he founded the Miguel Cabrera Foundation to support various children's charities and promote youth participation in baseball and softball. His dedication to these efforts led to nominations for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012 and 2013, recognizing his positive impact both on and off the field.
July 9, 2013: Cabrera's 350th Career Home Run
On July 9, 2013, Miguel Cabrera hit his 350th career home run in a game against the Chicago White Sox.
2013: End of Consecutive Batting Titles
2013 marked the end of Miguel Cabrera's streak of three consecutive American League batting titles, a testament to his consistent excellence at the plate.
2013: Praise for Cabrera's Performance and Hall of Fame Potential
In 2013, Miguel Cabrera received significant praise for his on-field performance. Hall of Famer Al Kaline deemed him "already qualified for Cooperstown," while commentators like Bob Nightengale and Barry Bonds called him "the greatest player in the game of baseball." and "the best. By far. Without a doubt. The absolute best," respectively.
2013: Cabrera Joins Elite Company, Wins Second Monthly Award
In August 2013, Miguel Cabrera joined Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx as the only MLB players with at least 40 home runs, 120 RBIs, and a .350 batting average through 116 games. He also became the third Tiger to hit 40+ homers in consecutive seasons. His performance earned him his second AL Player of the Month Award of 2013.
2013: Record-Breaking Pace and Second MVP Award
Miguel Cabrera was on pace to surpass his Triple Crown numbers in the first half of 2013. Despite injuries later in the season, he achieved a career-high batting average and earned his second consecutive AL MVP award.
2013: Cabrera's Dominant May and Shared Player of the Week Honors
Miguel Cabrera's exceptional performance in May 2013 earned him his third career AL Player of the Month Award. Later that season, he shared AL Co-Player of the Week honors with teammate Austin Jackson for their performance during the week of August 5-11.
March 28, 2014: Cabrera Signs Record Contract Extension
On March 28, 2014, Miguel Cabrera signed a massive eight-year contract extension with the Detroit Tigers worth $248 million. Combined with the remaining value of his existing contract, this amounted to a 10-year, $292 million commitment, surpassing Alex Rodriguez's previous record contract. The deal was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the Tigers' commitment to their star player while others criticized its size and length.
2014: Cabrera Returns to First Base
With Prince Fielder's departure from the Detroit Tigers, Miguel Cabrera was slated to return to first base for the 2014 season, marking a shift in his defensive positioning.
2014: ESPY Award and 100 RBI Streak
Miguel Cabrera won the ESPY Award for Best MLB Player in 2014, his second consecutive win. He also recorded his 100th RBI of the season, marking his 11th consecutive season reaching that mark, a feat only a handful of players have achieved.
2014: 2,000th Hit and All-Star Game Home Run
In 2014, Miguel Cabrera hit his 2,000th career hit, becoming one of the youngest players to reach that milestone. He also was selected to his ninth All-Star Game, starting at first base and hitting a home run in the game.
2014: First Gold Glove Nomination
In 2014, Cabrera received his first-ever nomination for the American League Gold Glove Award at first base, acknowledging his defensive skills at that position.
2014: Ankle and Foot Surgeries
After the 2014 season, Miguel Cabrera underwent surgeries to address a bone spur in his right ankle and a stress fracture in his right foot. These injuries had been affecting his performance, forcing him to alter his swing mechanics.
2014: End of Consecutive 100+ RBI Seasons
2014 marked the end of Miguel Cabrera's impressive streak of 11 consecutive seasons with 100 or more runs batted in.
2014: Impressive Season Stats and Historical Consistency
Cabrera had a strong season in 2014, leading the league in doubles and continuing his streak of seasons with impressive stats like 20+ home runs, 30+ doubles, 75+ RBIs, and 80+ runs scored. This consistency put him among a select group of players in MLB history.
May 16, 2015: 400th Home Run and 1,400th RBI
On May 16, 2015, Miguel Cabrera achieved two significant milestones. He hit his 400th career home run, becoming the all-time leader among Venezuelan-born players. He also recorded his 1,400th RBI, achieving both milestones at a young age compared to other players in history.
2015: Fourth AL Batting Title
Despite an injury-shortened season in 2015, Cabrera led the major leagues with a .338 batting average, earning his fourth AL batting title in five years. This achievement placed him in a prestigious group of players with multiple batting titles.
2015: All-Star Selection and Return from Injury
Miguel Cabrera was selected as an All-Star for the sixth consecutive season in 2015, but an injury prevented him from playing. He returned later in the season and continued to set records, surpassing Andrés Galarraga for the most RBIs by a Venezuelan-born player.
2015: End of Cabrera's 2008 Extension
Miguel Cabrera's eight-year, $152.3 million contract extension, signed in 2008, was set to run through the 2015 season.
2016: Solid Performance Despite Challenges
Cabrera had a solid season in 2016, hitting 38 home runs and driving in 108 runs. He also led the league in intentional walks, indicating his reputation as a feared hitter.
2016: Seventh Silver Slugger Award
Cabrera was awarded the Silver Slugger Award for first basemen in 2016, marking his seventh Silver Slugger overall. This award recognized his continued excellence as a hitter.
August 2017: Child Support Lawsuit Filed
In August 2017, Cabrera's former mistress, Belkis Mariella Rodriguez, filed a lawsuit against him regarding child support payments for their two children.
2017: Back Issues and Milestones
Back problems began affecting Cabrera in 2017, leading to a stint on the disabled list. Despite this, he reached several milestones, including his 450th home run and 1,000th extra-base hit.
2017: Herniated Discs and Career Lows
Cabrera's back issues persisted throughout 2017, and he was later diagnosed with two herniated discs. This contributed to career lows in batting average and slugging percentage for the season.
May 4, 2018: Hamstring Strain and Season-Ending Injury
Cabrera started 2018 on the disabled list with a hamstring strain. After returning, he suffered a season-ending biceps injury in June, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the rest of the year.
December 2018: Court Orders Child Support Payment
In December 2018, an Orange County Circuit Court ordered Cabrera to pay $20,000 per month in child support to Rodriguez, along with additional expenses and her attorney fees.
June 2019: Return to Form in June
After struggling in the early months of the 2021 season, Cabrera found his stride again in June 2021, achieving a batting average over .300 for the first full month since June 2019.
2019: Knee Issues and Continued Struggles
Knee problems continued to plague Cabrera in 2019, limiting him to a designated hitter role. He had a lower batting average and his lowest slugging percentage to date, indicating the ongoing impact of injuries.
August 29, 2020: Climbing the All-Time Hits List
On August 29, 2020, Cabrera achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Charlie Gehringer for 50th place on the all-time MLB hits list. This achievement placed him among an elite group of players with top-50 rankings in hits, home runs, and RBIs.
2020: Subpar Season and Notable Rankings
During the shortened 2020 MLB season, Miguel Cabrera's performance was statistically underwhelming, recording the second-lowest batting average of his career. Despite leading his team in home runs and RBIs, his slower sprint speed became noticeable. By the end of the season, he secured placements in the all-time rankings for doubles, total bases, RBIs, home runs, and hits.
April 1, 2021: Milestone Home Run and Biceps Strain
On April 1, 2021, Miguel Cabrera hit a home run in his first at-bat of the season, becoming the second Tigers player to achieve 350 home runs and 2,000 hits with the team. However, he was soon placed on the injured list due to a left biceps strain, returning to action later that month.
2021: Season of Career Lows and Continued Ranking Climb
Cabrera's 2021 season ended with career lows in key performance metrics, despite recording 15 home runs and 75 RBIs. His sprint speed also remained the slowest among designated hitters. On a positive note, he tied with Sam Rice for 33rd on the all-time MLB hits list and improved his standing in other categories, including home runs, doubles, extra-base hits, and total bases.
2021: Joining the 500 Home Run Club
In 2021, Miguel Cabrera etched his name in baseball history by joining the prestigious 500 home run club, a testament to his exceptional power hitting.
April 23, 2022: Joining the 3,000 Hit Club
On April 23, 2022, Cabrera achieved the impressive milestone of his 3,000th career hit. This achievement placed him among an elite group of only 33 players in MLB history. He also became the seventh player to hit both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits.
November 2022: Retirement Announcement and Future Plans
In November 2022, Cabrera revealed his intention to retire after the 2023 season, marking the end of his contract with the Tigers. He expressed interest in remaining involved with the organization, particularly in mentoring younger players.
2022: Historic Achievements and All-Star Selection
Cabrera continued his streak of historic achievements in 2022, becoming the third player in MLB history with 3,000 hits, 600 doubles, and 500 home runs. In July, he was named to the MLB All-Star Game as an honorary selection, recognizing his illustrious career. Later in the season, he surpassed Rickey Henderson to enter the top 25 on the all-time MLB hits list.
2022: End-of-Season Recap and Career Rankings
Despite an injury towards the end of the 2022 season, Cabrera concluded the year with a respectable .254 batting average, including 5 home runs and 43 RBIs. His performance solidified his place in MLB history, ranking within the top 25 for hits, doubles, RBIs, extra-base hits, and total bases.
2022: Joining the 3,000 Hit Club
Further solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greatest hitters, Miguel Cabrera joined the 3,000 hit club in 2022.
February 2023: Confirmation of Retirement and Desire to Mentor
During spring training in February 2023, Cabrera confirmed his decision to retire at the end of the season. He expressed his desire to transition into a mentorship role within the Tigers organization, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.
September 29, 2023: Post-Retirement Role with the Tigers
Shortly before the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, the Detroit Tigers announced that Cabrera would be staying with the team in a new capacity. He accepted a role as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations, Scott Harris.
2023: Retirement and Continued Involvement with the Tigers
After a remarkable career, Miguel Cabrera retired from professional baseball following the 2023 season. He will remain a part of the Detroit Tigers organization as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations.