DETROIT – Miguel Cabrera knew the Tigers were honoring him Sunday, celebrating his milestone-3,000th hit earlier this season.
What he didn't know was there would be a surprise guest to make the presentation of that historic 3,000th hit ball – former Tiger teammate and fellow Venezuelan Victor Martinez.
During Sunday's pre-game ceremony on the field at Comerica Park, Tigers radio broadcaster Dan Dickerson made the surprise announcement as V-Mart came out of the Tigers dugout and received a bear hug from Cabrera.
Among other teammates on-hand for the ceremony was former Tigers catcher Alex Avila, who said it was an honor to spend most of his career playing with Cabrera.
"You're one of the greatest hitters ever. Period," Avila said.
And that's not just a proud teammate talking. Cabrera has the numbers to back it up. When he collected his 3,000th hit on April 23, he joined one of the most exclusive clubs in the history of the game.
Cabrera is one of just seven players in MLB history with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. The other names on the list are legendary – Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez and Eddie Murray.
And Cabrera belongs to a club all his own – the only player with 3K, 500 and a Triple Crown.
Cabrera reached the 500 club last season in Toronto, and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch thanked the many Blue Jays fans in attendance at Comerica Park Sunday for their reception when he reached that milestone.
The Tigers honored Cabrera before Sunday's game with a video narrated by his daughter, as well as a compilation of career highlights.
