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Miguel Cabrera’s 500th career home run was both a thrill, a moment of joy to share with his teammates and family, and a huge burden taken off his shoulders.
Cabrera had spent 11 days since his 499th home run. It wasn’t an unreasonable amount of time, but with every batting appearance under such scrutiny and the hopes of thousands of Tigers fans resting on every pitch, the pressure could be tough. Even for a superstar.
“Last week Detroit was tough,” Cabrera said. “It was the first time this year that I saw the crowd excited like this, with a lot of energy. It was nice to see a lot of fans. It was nice to see the energy return to Comerica Park. There was a lot going on in my head because I wanted to do it in Detroit. “
It happened in Toronto on Sunday afternoon instead. It was a happy ending, if not a storybook.
“I have to say thank goodness I hit him here. I’m done with it and now I can keep trying to do my best, ”he said.
Here’s what Cabrera told reporters after Sunday’s game, as the Tigers won 5-3 in 11 innings. Responses are translated from Spanish when written down.
(on his reaction)
It was a great feeling. It was good timing because we tied the game there in this round. We came today to try to win the series. It was a really good game. Finally, we got into the extra heats and we won the game.
(on the reaction of the fans in Toronto, who gave him a nice ovation, causing a callback)
I think I’m only one of 28 players doing this, so (whether I do it in Detroit or Toronto, I think the fans are going to be happy because not many players do this every day. (the fan reaction), it’s pretty special.
(when the ball is out of the bat)
When I typed, I said, ‘Come on, get out, get out!’ I play Comerica, so every fly ball in this park is an out. I’m glad I touched that flying ball here. If I hit it in Comerica it’s gonna be two outs. ”
(on the deeper meaning of this accomplishment)
It means a lot, not only to me, but to the people around me: the team, my teammates, the Detroit organization, my coaches, the managers I have had my whole career, the people of Venezuela, my family.
I think it’s really important because it’s something special for my country, for my family to be able to do it. I am very happy. But at the same time, I have to stay focused. I have to keep doing what I’m doing and trying to help the team improve and win more games.
(on what his children think)
They’re happy. They’ve already called me. I’m glad they can see this and share it with me. I will always thank God for this moment.
(what does it mean to be able to focus on the next upcoming achievements)
(in Spanish) The emphasis has always been there. What I wanted was to quickly move beyond that (the pursuit of the 500 circuits).
I wanted to give Detroit fans this satisfaction to see him at home, but it couldn’t be done. I focused on trying to make good contact with baseball, but they gave me a hard time, as a lot of people have said.
No one can believe the number 500, such an incredible total, but thank God, as I have told all my teammates, I feel a great weight has been taken away from me. It is a relief.
It is a great satisfaction for my country and for my family. I will keep moving forward and hope to do more good things.
(Only one Venezuelan is in the Hall of Fame. After this great accomplishment, can we think of joining this group?)
(in Spanish) It feels good. But I believe the job is still not done. You have to focus on the little things. You yourself have said that when you retire you will have plenty of time to reflect and analyze whether or not you can enter the Hall of Fame. At times like these, I think there is no point in thinking about it, because there is still some way to go. I think I have to keep working and focus on staying healthy and on the pitch to play as many games as possible.
(You hit 500 despite playing in two tough circuit stadiums, Miami and Detroit)
(in Spanish) I feel good in the place where I played, although I could have hit more homers if I had played elsewhere. But I don’t pay much attention to it or think much about it, because I accept where I am. I accept what comes my way. Thank goodness I was able to reach number 500 today and hope I can continue to support the team and do my little bit to help.
*Click here for Cabrera’s answers in Spanish which have been translated above.
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