What is an Interesting Fact About Miguel Cabrera?

Miguel Cabrera is one of the most accomplished baseball players of all time. He’s a two-time American League MVP, a four-time batting champion, and has over 2,900 career hits.

However, there’s one thing that sets Cabrera apart from other great hitters: his unusual batting stance. Cabrera holds the bat behind his head and leans back before swinging, a technique that looks different from anything else you’ll see on the diamond.

Despite the unorthodox stance, Cabrera has been incredibly successful at the plate. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this interesting fact about Miguel Cabrera and explore how his unusual batting stance may have contributed to his success.

8 Interesting Facts About Miguel Cabrera

1. Cabrera’s Early Life and Career

Miguel Cabrera was born on April 18, 1983, in Maracay, Venezuela. He grew up in a family of baseball players and started playing the sport at a young age.

At age 16, he was scouted by the Florida Marlins and signed as an international free agent in 1999. He made his Major League debut with the Marlins in 2003 at the age of 20, becoming the youngest player in the National League at the time.

Cabrera quickly became a rising star in the league and helped lead the Marlins to a World Series championship in 2003.

2. Cabrera’s Historic Triple Crowns

The Triple Crown is a rare accomplishment in baseball where a player leads their league in three major statistical categories: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI).

Cabrera achieved this feat in 2012 while playing for the Detroit Tigers, becoming the first player to do so in the American League since 1967.

He also won the Triple Crown in the National League in 2011 while playing for the Florida Marlins. Only 15 players have ever won the Triple Crown, with Cabrera being the only one to do so in both leagues.

3. Cabrera’s MVP Awards and Batting Titles

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award is given annually to the player deemed the most valuable to their team in their respective league. It is determined by a vote of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Cabrera has won two American League MVP Awards (2012 and 2013) and four batting titles (2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015). Only a handful of players in baseball history have won multiple MVP Awards and batting titles, including legends like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Barry Bonds.

4. Cabrera’s Place in Baseball History

Cabrera’s career stats are impressive, with a career batting average of .311, 2,955 hits, 491 home runs, and 1,786 RBI (as of September 2021). He ranks in the top 50 all-time in hits, home runs, and RBI, and he is considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

He has been compared to other greats like Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth, and his career accolades, which include multiple MVP Awards, batting titles, and Triple Crowns, put him in elite company.

Cabrera’s place in baseball history is secure, and he will likely be remembered as one of the best players of his generation.

5. Cabrera’s Charitable Work and Philanthropy

Cabrera is also known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He established the Miguel Cabrera Foundation in 2012 to support children and families in need in his hometown of Maracay, Venezuela, and the United States.

The foundation’s mission is to promote health, education, and recreation for children and families facing economic and social challenges. Examples of the foundation’s work include building schools, providing medical equipment, and supporting sports programs.

In addition to his foundation work, Cabrera has been involved in other charitable initiatives, including supporting hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and donating to Detroit-area youth organizations.

6. Cabrera’s Personality and Quirks

Cabrera is known for his easygoing personality and sense of humor. He has been known to play practical jokes on teammates and coaches, and he enjoys dancing and singing in the clubhouse.

Off the field, Cabrera enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. On the field, he has had many memorable moments, including hitting a home run off a pitcher who was trying to intentionally walk him, and getting into a playful shoving match with a teammate during a game.

Despite his success and fame, Cabrera is regarded as a humble and approachable player who loves to have fun.

7. Cabrera’s Relationship with Other Players and Coaches

Cabrera is highly regarded by his peers and coaches as a leader and mentor on and off the field. He is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, and his approachable personality makes him popular among his teammates.

Cabrera has been a mentor to younger players and has helped them develop their skills and adjust to the demands of playing at the Major League level. He is often described as a humble and team-oriented player who puts the success of his team above personal accolades.

Cabrera’s reputation as a leader and mentor is similar to other greats in the game, such as Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols.

8. Cabrera’s Injuries and Comebacks

Throughout his career, Cabrera has dealt with a number of injuries, including back, knee, and ankle issues. Despite these setbacks, Cabrera has shown remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back from injuries to continue performing at a high level.

He has undergone multiple surgeries and rehabilitation programs to get back on the field, and his commitment to his team and his craft has never wavered.

Examples of his perseverance include playing through a fractured foot during the 2012 season and undergoing season-ending surgery in 2018 but returning in 2019 to hit his 2,000th career RBI. Cabrera’s resilience and dedication to the game are an inspiration to fans and teammates alike.

 

Miguel Cabrera’s Career Achievements

FAQs

What other awards has Miguel Cabrera won?

In addition to his Triple Crown and Player of the Year award, Cabrera has won numerous other accolades throughout his career. He’s been named to the All-Star team 11 times, won the Hank Aaron Award twice, and been named the AL MVP twice (in 2012 and 2013).

What teams have Miguel Cabrera played for?

Cabrera began his career with the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) in 2003, where he played until 2007. He was then traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he’s played ever since.

How many home runs has Miguel Cabrera hit?

As of the end of the 2021 season, Cabrera has hit 497 career home runs.

Has Miguel Cabrera ever won a World Series?

Yes, Cabrera won a World Series with the Marlins in 2003, when he was just 20 years old.

How long has Miguel Cabrera been playing in the major leagues?

Cabrera made his debut in 2003, so as of 2022, he will have been playing in the majors for 20 seasons.

Conclusion

Miguel Cabrera’s unusual batting stance is one of the most recognizable aspects of his game. While it may look awkward or unorthodox to some, there’s no denying that it’s been a key part of his success at the plate.

He has been one of the most consistent and productive hitters in baseball history, and his unique approach to hitting has played a big role in that.

While there are many theories about how the stance works and why it’s effective, Cabrera himself has said that he doesn’t think about it much when he’s at the plate.

Ultimately, it’s the results that matter, and Cabrera’s results have been nothing short of spectacular. Whether you love the stance or hate it, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and unique things about one of baseball’s all-time greats.