Cabrera hits 400th homer, barring rain out
The only entity able to stop Miguel Cabrera from joining the 400 home run club will be Mother Nature. Cabrera went deep to center field against Tyler Lyons in the bottom of the top of the first inning Saturday at Busch Stadium, giving himself 400 career homers, and giving the Detroit Tigers a 1-0 lead against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cabrera’s celebratory round-number blast went 428 feet, and probably dodged rain drops as it flew into the stands.
However, in the bottom of the first, rain that had been falling became more intense and umpires called the players off the field. If foul weather washes out the game before it becomes official (after 4 1/2 or five innings — depending on who leads, or if the score is tied), then Cabrera’s home run also is washed out. Before that happens and history is erased, watch it go:
Cabrera is (would be?) the second member to join the 400 HR club since Friday night, when Adrian Beltre of the Rangers went deep.
Thanks to Baseball Reference, here are details on every one of Cabrera’s career home runs (aside from No. 400). He’s victimized everyone from Al Levine to Bruce Chen and Phil Hughes five times apiece. This CBS graphic captures the spirit of Cabrera’s prodigious power:
For a treat, check out Cabrera’s first home run, hit in 2003 with the Florida Marlins, and which won a ballgame:
He was so (relatively) lean back then. Cabrera came up as an outfielder/third baseman after playing shortstop in the minors (if you can believe it).
So, how about 500 home runs? Should be do-able, though Cabrera has a recent history of nagging injuries, along with a pudgy physique that makes you wonder how long he can play. But he hasn’t missed many games in his career, and he loves to play. And having the DH will help him going forward.
Who might be next to 400? Carlos Beltran (375) and Mark Teixeira (374) of the Yankees are next on the list, and Teixeira has been swinging the bat like he could do it this season. Aramis Ramirez has 372, but has said this is probably his final season, so he seems a long shot. Ryan Howard of the Phillies, at 341, is a good bet to make it within the next two or three seasons.
Prince Fielder needs seven more home runs for 300.
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