Miguel Cabrera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miguel Cabrera |
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Cabrera with the Detroit Tigers in 2014
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| First baseman / Third baseman / Designated hitter / Outfielder | |||
| Born: April 18, 1983 Maracay, Venezuela |
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| debut | |||
| June 20, 2003, for the Florida Marlins | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 1, 2023, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .306 | ||
| Hits | 3,174 | ||
| Home runs | 511 | ||
| Runs batted in | 1,881 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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José Miguel Cabrera Torres (born April 18, 1983), known as "Miggy", is a retired Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. Miggy was an amazing hitter and played different positions like first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter.
He started his MLB career in 2003. He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice in the American League (AL). He also won the AL batting title four times. Miggy was chosen for the MLB All-Star team 12 times.
In 2012, Cabrera achieved something very rare: he won the Triple Crown. This means he led his league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI) all in the same season. He was the first player to do this in 45 years!
Miggy is one of only three players in MLB history to have a career batting average above .300, hit 500 home runs, and get 3,000 hits. The other two are baseball legends Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Many people think Cabrera is one of the greatest hitters ever.
He signed with the Florida Marlins in 1999 when he was 16. He quickly moved up through their minor league teams. He made his MLB debut in 2003 at age 20. That same year, he helped the Marlins win the World Series. After playing for the Marlins for four seasons, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2008.
In 2012, Miggy led the AL with a .330 batting average, 44 home runs, and 139 RBIs. This amazing performance earned him the AL MVP award. In 2013, he continued to play incredibly well, even though he had some injuries later in the season. He finished with a career-high .348 batting average and won his second straight AL MVP award.
Cabrera won four AL batting titles, including three in a row from 2011 to 2013. He batted over .300 in 11 different seasons. He hit 30 or more home runs in ten seasons and drove in over 100 runs in 12 seasons. He holds the record for most career home runs and hits by a Venezuelan player. He joined the 500 home run club in 2021 and the 3,000 hit club in 2022. He is one of only seven players in MLB history to reach both of these huge milestones. Miggy also played for Venezuela in five World Baseball Classic tournaments. He retired after the 2023 season but will keep working with the Tigers.
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Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Miguel Cabrera was born in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela. His parents are Miguel Cabrera and Gregoria Torres de Cabrera. When he was young, Miggy liked both volleyball and baseball. His uncle, David Torres, helped guide him in baseball. At 14, he went to a special baseball school in Cagua so he could keep studying while playing.
Starting in the Minor Leagues
The Marlins signed Miggy in 1999 as a young, unsigned player. He started his professional career in 2000 as a shortstop. He played for different minor league teams like the GCL Marlins and the Utica Blue Sox. During the winter, his manager moved him from shortstop to third base.
In 2001, he played for the Kane County Cougars. He even got to play in the All-Star Futures Game during the All-Star Weekend. He was known for having a very strong arm.
In 2002, he moved up to the Jupiter Hammerheads. He continued to play third base. He had a good season, hitting .278 with many doubles and RBIs.
By 2003, Miggy was playing for the Double-A Carolina Mudcats. He was hitting very well, with a .365 average, 10 home runs, and 59 RBIs. Because of his great performance, he was called up to the major leagues.
Major League Career Highlights
Florida Marlins: Rookie Year and World Series Win (2003–2007)
Making a Big Splash in 2003
Miggy made his MLB debut on June 20, 2003, when he was just 20 years old. In his very first game, he hit a walk-off home run! This means his home run won the game for his team. He quickly became an important player for the Marlins.
Cabrera's great play in the postseason helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series against the New York Yankees. He was even on the cover of ESPN The Magazine! In his first season, he hit .268 with 12 home runs and 62 RBIs.
First All-Star Game in 2004
In 2004, Miggy got his 100th career hit. He had a fantastic season, hitting .294 with 33 home runs and 112 RBIs. He played in 160 games and was chosen for his first All-Star team. He played in the outfield that year.
Continued Success and Awards (2005–2007)
In 2005, Cabrera had 198 hits, which was second-most in the National League. He hit .323 with 33 home runs and 116 RBIs. He was voted to his second All-Star Game and won his first Silver Slugger Award. This award goes to the best offensive players at each position. He was the youngest player in MLB history to have two seasons in a row with 30 home runs.
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In 2006, Miggy played for Venezuela in the first World Baseball Classic. He was chosen for his third All-Star Game and took part in the Home Run Derby. He finished the year with a .339 batting average, 26 home runs, and 114 RBIs, winning his second Silver Slugger Award.
In 2007, Cabrera made his fourth All-Star team in a row. He reached 500 career RBIs, becoming one of the youngest players to do so. He also hit his first career grand slam. Miggy finished the 2007 season with career highs in home runs (34) and RBIs (119), while hitting .320.
Detroit Tigers: A New Chapter (2008–2023)
Joining the Tigers in 2008
On December 5, 2007, the Marlins traded Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers. He made his Tigers debut on March 31, 2008, and hit a home run in his third at-bat. He later moved to first base, a new position for him. Miggy led the American League with 37 home runs and had a career-high 127 RBIs.
Continued Power and Hits (2009–2011)
In 2009, Cabrera played for Venezuela again in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. On Opening Day, he hit a grand slam. He also hit his 200th career home run, becoming only the fourth Venezuelan player to reach that mark. He finished the season with a .324 batting average and 103 RBIs.
In 2010, Cabrera hit three home runs in one game for the first time in his career. He was named an AL All-Star for the first time as a Tiger. He finished the season with a .328 batting average, a career-high 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs.
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In 2011, Miggy was named to his sixth All-Star team. He also got his 1,500th career hit. He won his first AL batting title with a .344 average. He also led the AL in on-base percentage and doubles.
Triple Crown and MVP Seasons (2012–2013)
In 2012, Miggy moved back to third base. He was named an AL All-Star again. On July 22, he hit his 300th career home run.
Cabrera won the Triple Crown in 2012! He led the AL with a .330 batting average, 44 home runs, and 139 RBIs. He was the first player to win the Triple Crown since 1967. He also had his first season with 200 hits. He was named the AL's Most Valuable Player.
In 2013, Cabrera continued his amazing performance. He was named AL Player of the Month for May and August. He became the first player in MLB history to have at least 30 home runs and 90 RBIs before the All-Star break. He was voted in as the starting third baseman for the 2013 All-Star Game. He also hit his 350th career home run.
Miggy finished the 2013 season with a .348 batting average, winning his third straight AL batting title. He also led the AL in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. He won his second straight AL MVP Award, becoming the first AL player to win back-to-back MVPs since 1994.
Milestones and Injuries (2014–2019)
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In 2014, Cabrera moved back to first base. On April 4, he hit his 2,000th career hit. He was the ninth player to reach 2,000 hits before turning 31. He was chosen to start at first base for the 2014 All-Star Game and hit his first All-Star game home run. He also recorded his 100th RBI for the 11th season in a row, a rare achievement.
In 2015, Cabrera was named AL Player of the Week. On May 16, he hit his 400th career home run, becoming the all-time leader among Venezuelan-born players. He also got his 1,400th career RBI. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career due to a calf injury. Even with the injury, he led the major leagues with a .338 batting average, winning his fourth AL batting title. He also won his sixth Silver Slugger award.
In 2016, Cabrera hit his 500th career double and his 2,400th career hit. He also hit a home run against all 30 Major League teams during his career. He was named to his 11th All-Star team. On July 22, he recorded his 1,500th career RBI. On September 18, he got his 2,500th career hit. He won his seventh Silver Slugger Award.
In 2017, Miggy dealt with back problems. He hit his 450th career home run and his 1,000th career extra-base hit. He also reached 1,600 career RBIs.
In 2018, Cabrera suffered a left biceps tendon injury that ended his season early. He played in only 38 games. In 2019, he continued to have knee issues and became a full-time designated hitter.
Reaching Major Milestones (2020–2022)
In 2020, Cabrera passed former Tiger Charlie Gehringer for 50th on the all-time MLB hits list. He also recorded his 2,000th career hit as a Tiger.
In 2021, Miggy hit a home run in his first at-bat of the season. On May 12, he passed Omar Vizquel for the most career hits by a Venezuelan-born player. On August 22, Cabrera hit his 500th career home run! He was the 28th player in MLB history to reach this milestone.
On April 23, 2022, Cabrera recorded his 3,000th career hit! He became the 33rd player in MLB history to join the 3,000-hit club. He is one of only seven players in MLB history to have both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. On May 7, he recorded his 600th career double. He is one of only three players in MLB history to have 3,000 hits, 600 doubles, and 500 home runs.
Farewell Season (2023)
In November 2022, Cabrera announced that 2023 would likely be his last season. He confirmed his retirement plans at spring training in February 2023. On May 16, he became the eighth player in Tigers history to play in 2,000 regular season games with the team.
On August 8, he passed Tony Gwynn to move into the top 20 on the all-time MLB hits list. On September 27, he hit his 511th home run, tying him for 25th on the all-time MLB list.
In his final season, Cabrera batted .257 with 4 home runs and 34 RBIs in 98 games. He finished his amazing career with a .306 batting average, 3,174 hits, 511 home runs, and 1,881 RBIs. He is one of only two players in MLB history (with Hank Aaron) to reach 3,000 hits, 500 home runs, and 600 doubles while having a career batting average over .300.
International Baseball Career
Cabrera proudly represented the Venezuela national baseball team in international competitions. He played for Venezuela in the first World Baseball Classic in 2006. He also played in the 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2023 World Baseball Classic tournaments.
Post-Playing Career Role
After retiring as a player, Cabrera stayed with the Detroit Tigers organization. On September 29, 2023, he was announced as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations, Scott Harris. In this role, he will help guide younger players and contribute to the team's future.
Awards and Achievements
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Personal Life and Community Work
Miguel Cabrera is very involved in helping his community. In 2012, he started The Miguel Cabrera Foundation. This foundation helps different children's charities. He also uses his foundation to encourage young kids to play baseball and softball. For his work on and off the field, Cabrera was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012 and 2013.
Cabrera is a Catholic and also practices Santería. He became a babalawo in 2006. He is married to Rosangel, and they have two daughters and one son.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cabrera even featured in a Spanish rap song called "Miggy al Bate" (Miggy at Bat).
Speaking Out for Venezuela
Cabrera has spoken out about the situation in his home country of Venezuela. He shared his concerns about the safety of his family and the challenges people face there. He said he was worried about his family and wanted to see better conditions in Venezuela.
He explained that he believes it's important to speak up for his country. He wants to help improve the lives of people in Venezuela. He has also sent medicine and food to help those in need. Cabrera's public statements show his deep care for his homeland and his desire for peace and stability.
Images for kids
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Cabrera with the Detroit Tigers in 2014
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Cabrera (left) with Marlins teammate Alfredo Amézaga during a June 2006 game at Petco Park
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Cabrera with the Florida Marlins in 2007
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Cabrera in 2009
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Cabrera batting against the Angels in 2012
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Cabrera during batting practice in 2012
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Cabrera during batting practice in 2014
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Cabrera in 2014
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Cabrera during batting practice at Target Field in 2016
- List of Major League Baseball players from Venezuela
- List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball batting champions
- List of Major League Baseball career batting average leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career extra base hits leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career slugging percentage leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career OPS leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career strikeouts by batters leaders
- List of Miami Marlins team records
- Tigres de Aragua
