In His Final At Bat At Fenway Park, Miguel Cabrera Received A Standing Ovation
This is the ultimate form of respect. I’ve had my feet dragged through the mud during the last two years of Miguel Cabrera festivities. It’s not to say that I don’t believe he deserves praise. He’s one of the greatest hitters of all time and easily one of the best Detroit Tigers of all time, but I’ve gotten a bittersweet vibe from the fact that Miggy has been receiving his flowers for a team that hasn’t played for anything in years. But with each passing day, we get closer and closer to the end, and baseball fans across the league are paying their respects.
I was surprised by this one. Several weeks back, the Miami Marlins gave Miguel Cabrera a huge ovation multiple times during their series in Miami. That made sense. Miguel Cabrera started his career in Miami. He was a rookie and critical contributor to their World Series-winning team in 2003. So I wasn’t surprised he got love there. I did not expect the crowd at Fenway to give him such a huge ovation, though. Say what you will about Boston sports fans, but they know their history. They’ll pay respect when respect is due. Even with a player like Miguel Cabrera, who has torched them in the past, they felt the need to tip their cap.
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In my unending quest to be as cynical as possible, I wondered if Red Sox fans would've given Miggy this ovation had the Tigers done what they should've done and beat the Red Sox in the ALCS in 2013. Boston wouldn't exactly be grieving. They still would have three championships in my lifetime, but I'd be lying if that didn't cross my mind. With that said, Boston, paying respects to Miggy, is a mirror image of what Detroit did for David Ortiz in 2016. I vividly remember them giving him a standing ovation as he left Comerica Park for the first time, and he broke our hearts in 2013.
We are approaching the end here, aren't we? It's very bizarre how all that stuff works. Given how things have gone for Miguel Cabrera over the last several years, I've been ready for his contract to expire. His retirement will be best for both parties, but I'd be lying if I told you that next year isn't going to feel weird as shit not having him on the roster. Miguel Cabrera has been a part of the Detroit Tigers organization for over half my life. I don't know what a Tigers roster looks like in my teenage and adult years without him. It's going to be strange. The fact that opposing teams and road ballparks are giving Miguel Cabrera this kind of love means that the sendoff he will get a Comerica Park when they play their final series of the year will be amazing. Boston showed him a lot of love. I appreciate that, but that last series in Detroit will be an emotional roller coaster. I'm trying to prepare myself emotionally.