The bottom of the 8th inning in Tuesday’s game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers may not seem significant, yet history was made. Detroit Tigers‘ Designated Hitter Miguel Cabrera had two hits on Tuesday, passing Tony Gwynn on the all-time hits list with 3,142. This now puts Cabrera tied for 20th with Robin Yount for all-time. With the hit in the bottom of the 8, the Tigers would score two more and win 6-0. The Tigers are now nine games back of Minnesota for first in the American League Central.
Tony Gwynn and Miguel Cabrera Links
Tony Gwynn is one of the best hitters ever and is a sound comparable to Miguel Cabrera. Like Cabrera, he has been an all-star for more than ten seasons (Gwynn 15 and Cabrera 12). He has seven Silver Sluggers like Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera and Gwynn won multiple batting titles (Gwynn 8 and Cabrera 4) in their respective league. However, as an outfielder, Gwynn won five Gold Gloves, something Cabrera should have done. Both players spent a long time with a team that wore Blue and Orange that rivals a blue and white team a few hours away.
Although the one thing Tony Gwynn should have done was win an MVP title. The closest he came was in 1984 when his San Diego Padres went to the World Series and lost to the Tigers. Gwynn would finish 3rd in the NL MVP voting behind Ryne Sandberg and Keith Hernandez. In Miguel Cabrera’s best season (2012), he would lead the American League batting average, home runs, and RBI (only Triple Crown in the last 55 years) as his team went to the World Series, losing to the San Francisco Giants.
Who is Next for Cabrera to Catch?
As this is Miguel Cabrera’s final season in the Major Leagues, there are only a few weeks left for him to climb the ladder in all-time hits. He is one hit away from passing Robin Yount to take sole possession of 20th all-time. He is ten hits away from tying Paul Waner for 19th all-time. Additionally, he is 12 away from tying George Brett for 18th all-time. Considering that it is unlikely Detroit will make the postseason, Cabrera’s career will end on October 1st. While the tributes have been coming in from most teams, he has visited this season. Miguel Cabrera is one of the greatest hitters of all time. As the days slowly count, fans should consider how incredible Cabrera’s run has been. He will likely be a first-ballot Hall of Famer who helped change the game of baseball.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Miguel Cabrera, Tony Gwynn, Robin Yount, Ryne Sandberg, Keith Hernandez, Paul Waner, George Brett
