There is no questioning Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera’s effort in 2010.
Last season was marred by personal issues, and by all accounts, Cabrera has put his demons behind him this year.
Cabrera leads the majors with 77 RBI and a .346 batting average.
He’s tied for second with four others with 22 home runs. Cabrera has been a key component in the Tigers’ quest to win the AL Central, and they are a half-game behind the Chicago White Sox going into the All-Star break.
“My drinking was a problem and I feel good without it, I feel like a new man,” Cabrera told reporters last winter. “I never played drunk, but there were times when I was very tired or my body just felt lazy. I wake up every day and thank God for giving me the opportunity to do what I do.”
Cabrera is working a 19-game hit streak , which began June 19, and has driven in 18 runs in the process. He has cooled off a bit in the power department, and has just three home runs since late June.
With his recent All-Star Game selection, Cabrera, whether he knows it or not, has the potential to make history within the storied Detroit organization in regards to single-season RBI total.
In 1940, the legendary Hank Greenberg knocked in 150 runs. That is the third highest tally by a Tiger ever. The franchise-record is 183, which Greenberg set in 1937.
Being aware of a history-chase is often considered a bad omen for players. Having that pressure can interfere with their day-to-day operations, and more times than not, the mark isn’t met.
But that’s not the only record he’s chasing.
Cabrera has the opportunity to become the first Tiger since Ty Cobb to win the Triple Crown. Cobb claimed the coveted honor in 1909. He hit nine home runs, drove in 107 runs and hit .377.
Major League Baseball’s last Triple Crown winner was Carl Yastrzemski . The legendary Boston Red Sox left fielder hit .326, belted 44 home runs and drove in 121 runs in 1967.
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