Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera started his brilliant Hall of Fame career in Miami, and although he left in 2008, he’s still beloved by Miami Marlins fans.
The 40-year-old Cabrera, who plans to retire after the season, returned to Miami for a weekend series, his final appearance in the city that launched his career.
The Marlins rolled out the red carpet for the 12-time All-Star before Friday night’s game, presenting him with special gifts, including a rare bottle of rum, custom painted to commemorate the Marlins 2003 World Series championship in Cabrera’s rookie season.
Marlins are gifting Miguel Cabrera custom versions of a cigar box, cigars and his favorite bottle of rum
(via @IsaacAzout) pic.twitter.com/JbMKQPlbHQ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 28, 2023
Although he’s spent far more seasons with the Tigers, Marlins fans haven’t forgotten Cabrera’s four All-Star seasons in Miami. Or his key role on that World Series team. So he’s been greeted with thunderous applause and standing ovations before his plate appearances this weekend.
Those ovations are enough to raise goose bumps on any baseball fan. Here’s a look at Marlins fans greeting him before his first plate appearance Saturday.
The ovation surges when he acknowledges the crowd, which happened to be the largest Marlins crowd in six years.
On Venezuelan Heritage Day, the fans greeted Miguel Cabrera with loud cheers and he rewarded them with a ground-rule double!#RepDetroit@MiguelCabrera pic.twitter.com/0wXtAkhqlM
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 29, 2023
After Cabrera singled in the ninth inning, Marlins fans cheered, then gave him another standing ovation as he left the field for a pinch runner.
Miguel Cabrera gets his second hit of the game, and he exits to a standing ovation from Marlins fans in Miami. ⚾️pic.twitter.com/L5i6RfhxK5
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 29, 2023
The baseball world, which has been saluting Cabrera all season, offered more thoughts during his final Miami series.
Crowned in Detroit.
Raised in Miami.
Made in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/P4xKIR1jLH— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 29, 2023
Class act by the 🐬
— Track Investing (@TrackInvesting) July 29, 2023
I’m glad the umpires realized the situation and no delay of game was called.
Miggy looked full of emotions.— OneBadBall.Ξ (@DavidBa66496410) July 29, 2023
Someone plz explain how did he end up a tiger and not a Marlin for life
— Josh (@ILOVESC00T) July 28, 2023
The Marlins are the first team to actually get him a solid gift
— MCS (@MCSBanned3X) July 28, 2023
