Sunday’s game between the Tigers and Guardians had no playoff implications with both teams out of contention on the final day of the season. But the game still meant so much to Detroit as it was the last time future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera would play in a big-league game.
And his send-off at first base couldn’t have been scripted any better.
Cabrera had not played in the field at all this season as the full-time designated hitter, but when the eighth inning came around, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch inserted Cabrera into the game at first base. There was just one issue: He didn’t have a glove.
Spencer Torkelson then offered his glove to Cabrera for the cameo at first, and Miggy didn’t have to wait long at all to get some action in the field.
That’s a wrap on the career of Miguel Cabrera.
Chills pic.twitter.com/hK4zvWDsB3
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 1, 2023
On the second pitch of the inning, Steven Kwan hit a sharp grounder to first that Cabrera fielded with no problem and stepped on the bag to a massive ovation. Hinch then subbed Cabrera out of the game there to give him a proper send-off from the fans.
When it came time to return the glove to Torkelson, Cabrera turned it into an incredible signed gift.
Miguel Cabrera told Spencer Torkelson today, “I don’t have a glove.” So he borrowed Torkelson’s gamer, fielded one grounder, and presented it back to Torkelson as a signed gift. Perfect ending to a perfect day. Photo credit: @bfidelman. @Tigers @MLBNetwork @MLB pic.twitter.com/32vMVbxkDD
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 1, 2023
What a gesture and what a day for baseball. Fans loved everything about the moment for Cabrera. I don’t think Torkelson will mind getting a new glove given the circumstances.
This was how Twitter reacted
An all timer on and off the field. A player I’ll never forget and will tell my kids about right alongside Beltre. https://t.co/A5lHLwyfED
— Matthew Watson (@Catfish_Bubba) October 1, 2023
That’s such a class gesture by a top dude…. Also what an amazing piece of history for Torkelson. 🔥⚾️💯 #MLB https://t.co/As1vvKlRLQ
— Keegan (@ImJustKeegan) October 2, 2023
Wow. What a scene from Miggy and Tork https://t.co/xNCqrY0KTd
— Mort 🎃 (@amort9924) October 1, 2023
Freaking cool https://t.co/HbG4OtRc4u
— Andrew Shipley (@AShipleyWX) October 2, 2023
Being able to inscribe this many accolades with your autograph is pretty badass https://t.co/4E4kkz4vVL
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) October 2, 2023
You’re never going to get a better souvenir from a legend than this one. https://t.co/oug89B1ogj
— Matt Robinson from Tall Can Audio (@TallCanAudio) October 2, 2023
Feels like the coolest passing of the torch moment https://t.co/TrjKDFrzUA
— Trey Lyle (@TreyLyleVT) October 2, 2023
This is awesome! https://t.co/DUTbaCt5DU
— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) October 2, 2023
Baseball will win you back. https://t.co/OT6jgf9oQN
— Joe Kaiser (@JoeKaiserSports) October 1, 2023
