One could have imagined that Miguel Cabrera would have wanted to discuss his chase for 3000 hits. The Detroit Tigers legend is just one hit away from becoming the 33rd player in MLB history to reach that plateau, a mark that so few players even come close to over their careers. However, Cabrera has other things on his mind.
Specifically, Cabrera cares about winning. He had three hits on Wednesday to pull within one of the milestone, but had no interest in answering any questions about his chase for 3000. He pointed out that the Tigers lost the game and that baseball is a team sport, that his individual accomplishments do not matter.
Miguel Cabrera focusing on what is important for Detroit Tigers
Thursday’s action was completely different. Cabrera failed to get a hit, but the Tigers won 3-0. The most memorable moment came when the Tigers’ designated hitter was intentionally walked, a move that made perfect baseball sense, but infuriated a crowd that wanted to see history.
And again, Cabrera focused on the score. Not only did he appear to motion for the crowd to stop booing, but he appeared to point to the scoreboard as well. At that point, the Tigers were clinging to a 1-0 lead. The next batter, Austin Meadows, drove in two runs to extend the lead and provide the final margin of victory.
Cabrera knows he will eventually get that 3000th hit. It could happen on Friday. Or it could happen on Saturday or any other day. But that hit will come, and he will make history. But the Tigers also have bigger goals for the 2022 season – they are looking to finally return to the playoffs and end their extended rebuilding process. For Cabrera, who has not been to the postseason since 2014 and is staring down the end of his career, getting another shot at a championship matters.
That is the ultimate goal with the Tigers. Their young core is starting to reach the majors, and a window to contend is opening. Cabrera knows that he is just the elder statesman these days, that this is soon to be the team of Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and Casey Mize. He is there to teach them what it means to be major league players, how to weather the highs and lows, and to be a veteran mentor. That includes pointing to the scoreboard as what is truly important.
Miguel Cabrera will get his 3000th hit in time. Meanwhile, he knows what is truly important to the Detroit Tigers – their win total at the end of 2022.