Friday was a joyous day for the Detroit Tigers who celebrated winning their first division title since 1987. Champagne was flying, alcohol was consumed, and there was plenty of hugging and back slapping between the players. But one player who did not partake in the celebration was Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers first baseman sat by himself, according to MLive.com, holding a bottle of water in his hand.
Cabrera, you may recall, has battled with alcohol abuse the past few years. In 2009, he infamously went out drinking while the Tigers were battling for the division and he got into a major fight with his wife. He showed up to the team’s game with fresh cuts and bruises on his face. Then in February, Cabrera made a fool of himself during a DUI arrest and the video made him look even worse.
The troubled first baseman pledged to clean up his life and it appears as if he’s taken that vow seriously.
Even though the Tigers ordered non-alcoholic champagne for Cabrera, he opted not to partake. Perhaps he’s learned that avoiding alcohol entirely is the safest approach. Maybe he knows the Tigers will have much more celebrating to do this season so this was no time to go crazy.
Cabrera has been one of the most valuable players for the Tigers this season. Maybe Detroit will consider doing what the Rangers did for Josh Hamilton last season in a similar situation. After all, you win as a team so you should want to celebrate as a team, right?
