DETROIT — Ever since the Tigers’ 2023 schedule was announced, it’s been known that the year-end series against the Guardians at Comerica Park will generate a lot of emotion. After all, those will be Miguel Cabrera’s last three games as an active player.
The first scrimmage of said match did not disappoint, with the Tigers’ organization displaying several tributes to Venezuela throughout Comerica Park with Cabrera’s image adorning every corner, including a drone show at the end of the match, which they won. Guardians 7-5.
However, the best tribute happened at the stadium, where Cabrera was remembered by 30,053 fans.
“It’s unbelievable, the fans are unbelievable,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said. “All this month [Cabrera] He proved to be a dynamic force for the team. These games are different. When he goes out and hits the ball that way, he gets the ball and then hits another hit. It was incredible. “It was good to see him enjoying himself.”
“It’s unbelievable, the fans are unbelievable,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said. “All this month [Cabrera] He proved to be a dynamic force for the team. These games are different. When he goes out and hits the ball that way, he gets the ball and then hits another hit. It was incredible. “It was good to see him enjoying himself.”
“He still has it. The other day, I joked that I would come back for another year,” laughed Spencer Torkelson, who hit his 31st homer on Friday. “I try to soak it all in as much as I can while focusing on the game. It will be talked about for the next 80 years. I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
Venezuela ended his 21-year career in the majors on a big note, hitting .318 with 21 hits and nine runs in 66 at-bats in September — his most productive month of the season. On the campaign he averaged .260/324/.355 with an OPS of .679.
But despite the first out of the night, with a grounder to first that scored Dominican Emmanuel Cassel, Cabrera’s at-bat left its mark on everyone there, including his manager.
“His last chance was good too. It was his last at bat in the ninth inning. [en su carrera]. “It’s hard for me to find the right words, and it’s been an incredible experience,” Hinch concluded emotionally, fighting back tears.