Miggy ends legendary career with memorable finale: 'Glad I got a chance to say goodbye'
The last game of Miguel Cabrera's legendary career will go down as one of his most memorable.
The 40-year-old received the royal treatment during Sunday's 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, which began with his children announcing his first at-bat of the contest.
"Number 24, our father, @MiguelCabrera!" #GraciasMiggy pic.twitter.com/LA7jzYBwXt
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 1, 2023
"Everything was a surprise," Cabrera said.
The highlight of the game came in the eighth inning when Cabrera entered to play first base for the first time in two years.
He'd field a ground ball from Guardians hitter Steven Kwan to record the first out of the inning and end his career in iconic fashion, with a packed Comerica Park showing him praise.
This is how you send off a legend!@MiguelCabrera walks off the field for the final time to a rousing ovation in Detroit! 👏 pic.twitter.com/A5WICHZnZx
— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2023
Cabrera exited the game after going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts, but the afternoon wasn't about stats. It was about sending off a Tigers great in proper fashion. Mission accomplished.
"They give me a chance to say goodbye," Cabrera said. "I'm going to appreciate this moment for the rest of my life."
The two-time American League MVP and Triple Crown winner will retire as a 12-time All-Star, four-time batting champ, and 2003 World Series winner after spending five seasons with the Florida Marlins and another sixteen with the Tigers.
"I'm going to miss everything," he said. "But I'm glad I played 21 years in the big leagues and I’m glad I got a chance to say goodbye."