Miggy passes Yount on all-time hits checklist

DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera hasn’t made an enormous deal out of climbing statistical leaderboards and passing greats in his last season. He’d somewhat concentrate on particular person video games and staff success when he can, and get on with getting ready for the subsequent sport. Still, as he sat within the Tigers’ clubhouse at Comerica Park on Wednesday afternoon, even he was a bit in awe.

“I can say I have more hits than Tony Gwynn,” Cabrera stated. “Bro, that’s insane.”

He can add one other identify to that checklist: Robin Yount. A day after passing Gwynn and tying Yount with a two-hit night time on Tuesday, Cabrera handed Yount in Wednesday’s 9-5 win along with his 3,143rd profession hit, a third-inning single off Twins starter Bailey Ober. Cabrera completed the night time 3-for-4, leaving him with 3,145 profession hits.

Cabrera now sits nineteenth in hits in Major League historical past, in accordance the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician of Major League Baseball.

He will get it. In case he didn’t, he had a thousand textual content messages and a whole dugout reminding him.

“I do think, every now and then — not to preach to you — but we have to realize those are some big names [he’s passing] getting into the Top 20 for all-time hits, and we’re kind of numb to it,” Tigers supervisor A.J. Hinch stated. “We’ve watched it for a pair years of him catching these guys and passing them. He’s inside 20 which have ever performed the sport, and we will’t neglect that as we acknowledge his efficiency.

“The Top 20 is such revered company. You’re looking at childhood heroes for me: Tony Gwynn, Robin Yount. I mean, these guys are Hall of Famers, and obviously, we’re going to see Miggy there someday, but I just don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to enjoy the present.”

Cabrera stated he by no means met Gwynn, who handed away in 2014. Cabrera talked with former teammate Prince Fielder about Yount’s strategy to hitting, however he has by no means had an opportunity for a sit-down like different Hall of Famers. One of these others, George Brett, may very well be up earlier than Cabrera winds down. Cabrera is 9 hits away from Brett. Beyond Brett is Cabrera’s longtime buddy Adrián Beltré at 3,166 hits, adopted by Cal Ripken Jr. at 3,184.

Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, who was 2 years outdated when Cabrera hit a walk-off homer for his first Major League hit on June 20, 2023, with the then-Florida Marlins, has been marveling with teammates and coaches on the names. When Gwynn’s identify confirmed up on the Comerica Park videoboard Tuesday, Greene and Tigers hitting coach James Rowson famous the uncommon territory he has entered.

“We’re like, ‘Oh, Miggy just passed another guy that’s incredible. That’s crazy,’” Greene stated.