You knew history was inevitable if you’ve followed Miguel Cabrera’s career closely.
One of the best hitters of all time, the man they call “Miggy,” has pieced together a career most mere mortals will never be able to match.
Five-hundred+ homers and 11 All-Star selections. Two AL MVPs. The first player to capture the batting Triple Crown since the late 1960s. A World Series title (with the Marlins) for good measure. You could argue that no one deserves it if Cabrera doesn’t eventually get a place in Cooperstown by unanimous vote.
And now, among Cabrera’s countless accolades, perhaps the most impressive, rare feat of all — 3,000 hits.
During the Tigers’ game against the Rockies on Saturday afternoon, Cabrera finally gained membership to the highly exclusive baseball club.
Here’s Cabrera’s glorious 3,000th hit on the best “routine single” of his career:
He did it. What a moment for @MiguelCabrera.
(MLB x @budweiserusa) pic.twitter.com/mXkyJjFFxF
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2022
Miguel 3000 pic.twitter.com/duaKxKTIvU
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2022
Listen to how the Tigers’ home crowd absolutely erupts. Notice Cabrera’s beaming smile as his teammates and coaches line up to congratulate him. His 3,000th hit party might as well have been the equivalent of a playoff game.
Only 33 MLB players have ever notched at least 3,000 career hits. We’re talking about some of the best to ever step onto the diamond, such as Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roberto Clemente.
Here’s a touching message several members of the 3,000-hit club recorded for Cabrera:
The 3,000 Club welcomes you, @MiguelCabrera! pic.twitter.com/6RcDqaLO4M
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 23, 2022
Hall of Famer Craig Biggio welcomes Miguel Cabrera to the 3000-hit club: “Miggy, congratulations brother. I’m happy for you. You are probably one of the greatest right-handed hitters that I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Happy for the @tigers fans, to be able to do it at home.” pic.twitter.com/ZKZ1M4sDFb
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 23, 2022
All these wonderful words and memories aside, it’s only Cabrera who can share company with Aaron and Mays in an even more exclusive club — 500 homers, 3,000 hits, and at least a .300 batting average:
Only three players in MLB history have 500 homers, 3,000 hits, and a .300+ career batting average.
Hank Aaron. Willie Mays. And now, @MiguelCabrera. pic.twitter.com/F0ZBWU6ka8
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2022
If it wasn’t clear — Cabrera is assuredly one of the best to ever step onto the diamond.
Cabrera wasted no time getting to work on his next 3,000 hits. In the process, he passed former Pirates great Roberto Clemente for No. 32 on the MLB all-time hits list:
Wasting no time getting 3,001!@MiguelCabrera passes Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente for 32nd on the @MLB all-time hit list. pic.twitter.com/5XbEh6IUCe
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 23, 2022
What a moment for the legendary Cabrera and baseball.
