Several former Detroit sports stars called on another legendary Motor City sports figure on Thursday. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers star and former multi-time AL MVP, joined several of Detroit’s biggest luminaries for a special moment at Comerica Park.
Basketball Hall of Famer Ben Wallace, Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, and finally Hockey Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom joined in with pregame festivities at the signature Detroit ballpark. Big Ben, Lidstrom, and then Megatron all called Cabrera out from the dugout and join in with the first pitch of the game.
Three Detroit sports legends and room for one more.
Nicklas Lidström, Calvin Johnson Jr. and Ben Wallace invited @MiguelCabrera to join them in throwing out today's first pitch. pic.twitter.com/bXuzfZYiAN
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 6, 2023
The crowd cheered on and gave tremendous ovations to them all, but Johnson may have gotten the loudest and most positive reception amongst the trio from the fans who packed the ballpark. After Cabrera raced out of the dugout, the crowd voiced their appreciation for the future Hall of Famer.
Video of this awesome moment went viral.
Detroit sports icons Ben Wallace, Calvin Johnson and Nicklas Lidstrom called Miguel Cabrera out of the dugout to join them in throwing the ceremonial first pitch pic.twitter.com/Dsb2pY22Uf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 6, 2023
Jim Costa called it “the 90’s kids Detroit Mount Rushmore” and, well, Jim Costa has a point.
The 90’s kids Detroit Mount Rushmore all out there for the first pitch
Nick Lidstrom, Calvin Johnson, Ben Wallace and Miguel Cabrera pic.twitter.com/LzVa3UB8mP
— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) April 6, 2023
Brad Galli noted just how much Motor City sports history was included in one photograph. It really is incredible!
So much Detroit sports history in one photo:
Miguel Cabrera, Nicklas Lidstrom, Calvin Johnson, and Ben Wallace throwing first pitches together at the Tigers opener
📷: AP | Carlos Osorio pic.twitter.com/90Sp9auKpZ— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 6, 2023
Evan Fox of The Pat McAfee Show said, “These dudes made my childhood significantly better.”
Calvin Johnson. Ben Wallace. Nicklas Lidstrom. Miguel Cabrera.
DETROIT LEGENDS.
These dudes made my childhood significantly better 🫡 https://t.co/Sma8u1M4Kz
— Evan Fox (@evanfoxy) April 6, 2023
You won’t see a sight like this too often. Considering it is the final season for Miguel Cabrera, moments like this will have to be cherished.
