Miguel Cabrera's penultimate road trip is coming to a close this week. The Tigers opened a three-game series in New York Tuesday night and the Yankees honored him in grand fashion.
As his Hall-of-Fame career draws to a close this month, the Yankees presented Cabrera with an autographed Yankee Stadium subway sign, a $10,000 donation to the Miggy Foundation and a custom painting.
And it was a pretty special painting – depicting one of the most memorable moments of his career, a two-out, game-tying, two-run shot off legendary closer Mariano Rivera in the 9th inning at Yankee Stadium.
The August 2013 home run wasn't just a home run. It was a battle. Cabrera fouled two pitches off his left leg in an at-bat that lasted upwards of five minutes, before limping back into the box and taking Rivera deep into Monument Park.
Though the Yankees went on to walk things off in the 10th inning, snapping a 12-game winning streak for Detroit, it was a moment that showed off Cabrera's never-quit attitude and sheer strength.
Cabrera entered Tuesday's game with a .296 career average against the Yankees, with 19 homers and 53 RBIs.
Aaron Judge was among the current Yankees players to present Cabrera with his gift, the latest he has received on his de facto farewell tour. Other retirement gifts this season have included a Starbucks apron from the Mariners, a sign from the Green Monster in Boston and a guitar from the Guardians.
