This story was excerpted from Jason Beck’s Tigers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
If you’re looking to catch a Tigers game and see Miguel Cabrera one last time, the days are dwindling.
Last weekend’s series against the White Sox in Chicago, where Cabrera heard the rare sounds of ovations all series from not only a group of Venezuelan fans but also White Sox followers, shows how big of a deal this is becoming, both in Detroit and on the road.
The Tigers have just 12 home games left this season, including a six-game homestand beginning Friday against the White Sox and continuing next week against Elly De La Cruz and the up-and-coming Reds. After that, it’s down to the final week of the season, and tickets are going fast.
The Oct. 1 season finale against Cleveland, the final game of Cabrera’s incredible career, is nearly sold out. Tickets for the Sept. 30 game, which is expected to include several ceremonies, are going fast. Miggy Appreciation Weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 29, with several tributes, including a postgame drone show before the regular Friday night fireworks.
Manager A.J. Hinch said Sunday he’s going to try to be open about his plan for playing Cabrera down the stretch, trying to give fans some advance notice. He’s tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday and Thursday at Yankee Stadium, then Friday and Sunday at home against the White Sox. As much as Hinch would like to play Cabrera every day down the stretch, he’s still trying to keep him healthy to get him through the season and remain active for that final series. The last thing anyone wants is for Cabrera to end his career on the injured list after enjoying what has so far been his healthiest season in years.
That said, there’s some intrigue about whether Cabrera, a designated hitter all season, could play one more game at first base down the stretch, even if it’s just a cameo appearance to get back on the field and give fans another chance to cheer him.
The Tigers, too, are revealing some of their plans to celebrate Miggy during that final stretch. On Sunday, they announced a Miggy Line, where fans can call or text with their memories and tributes to Cabrera. A selection of tributes are expected to be included in the ceremonies over that final weekend. Call 313-471-2424, or text MIGGY24 to the same number to share your memories.