Live updates: Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera hits 488th homer, perhaps his first in a blizzard

Welcome back, baseball fans.

The Tigers kick off their 2021 season today at Comerica Park, against the Cleveland Indians. And for the first time since September 2019, there will be fans in the stands.

Follow Tony Paul and Detroit News staff for updates throughout the game.

Cabrera goes deep

Well, that’s one way to start the season.

Miguel Cabrera hit a home run in the bottom of the first inning, giving the Tigers a 2-0. Cabrera took Shane Bieber’s pitch to right field. And because it was hit in a pseudo blizzard, Cabrera actually slid into second base not certain that the ball had left the yard.

The umpires reviewed, and confirmed it was a homer. It was Cabrera’s first on Opening Day since 2008.

It was Cabrera’s 488th homer. He is looking to reach 500 homers and 3,000 hits this season.

The Tigers made it 3-0 in the second inning on a JaCoby Jones RBI double. Victor Reyes, who reached on a strikeout and a wild pitch, scored

Paying tribute

Pregame ceremonies on Opening Day are always a sight to see. The pageantry is impressive. But the Tigers took it to a whole new level today, paying tribute to those we’ve lost, and those who’ve helped keep us safe.

The Tigers, in a video montage, memorialized Tigers fans we’ve lost to COVID-19 in the last year, while Angels Davis sang “Amazing Grace.”

Then, they honored some area first responders, before Buck Farmer took the microphone to thank the first repsonders, as well as the some 8,200 fans in attendance.

“Just want to welcome y’all back to watch us place, and we thank you for the love and the support you always show us,” Farmer said. “Get this season started off right. Go Tigers!”