Miguel Cabrera has officially played his final MLB game. The Tigers legend gave one of his teammates a farewell gift after the final out was made at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday.
Sunday’s game between the Tigers and Cleveland Guardians served as the sendoff for the retiring Cabrera. In a surprise gesture to the 2-time MVP, Tigers manager AJ Hinch sent Cabrera out in the top of the 8th inning to take his familiar spot at first base. Prior to his insertion, Cabrera had not played a single inning of defense since October 2021.
The baseball gods were fully aware of what needed to happen. Guardians batter Steven Kwan hit a soft grounder to first that was easily fielded by Cabrera. The 40-year-old got a standing ovation from every fan in the stadium, and his family joined him on the field following the out.
This is how you send off a legend!@MiguelCabrera walks off the field for the final time to a rousing ovation in Detroit! 👏 pic.twitter.com/A5WICHZnZx
— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2023
But since Cabrera had no idea he was going to play defense on Sunday, he didn’t have a glove. Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson lent his glove to Cabrera for the lone out. Torkelson was paid back generously by Cabrera, who autographed the glove while also listing his career achievements on it.
Miguel Cabrera told Spencer Torkelson today, “I don’t have a glove.” So he borrowed Torkelson’s gamer, fielded one grounder, and presented it back to Torkelson as a signed gift. Perfect ending to a perfect day. Photo credit: @bfidelman. @Tigers @MLBNetwork @MLB pic.twitter.com/32vMVbxkDD
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 1, 2023
While the autograph and inscriptions are awesome, the glove’s historical significance as the final one Cabrera ever used gives it even more value.
It’s only fitting that Torkelson, the Tigers’ current everyday first baseman, had the honor of keeping it.
The glove is also much more more valuable than the hilarious retirement gift the Oakland Athletics gave Cabrera last month.
Cabrera finishes his career with 3,174 hits and 511 home runs across 21 seasons. He was a 12-time All-Star, 7-time Silver Slugger, and 4-time batting champ.
