Miguel Cabrera has created history! He became the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years, as the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 1-0.
It couldn't have come at a better time for Cabrera. Even fans of the opposing team gave him a standing ovation.
The Associated Press quoted Cabrera as saying: "It was like, everybody said to me it was unbelievable. They were excited to see this, enjoy this, be a part of something big, and winning, I feel better.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. I can't describe the feeling right now."
Although the Tigers, who are already AL Central champions, beat the Royals 1-0, the center of attraction was Cabrera.
Only 15 players have done it in the history of the sport. Among those who won the Triple Crown previously are Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams. This season, Cabrera topped the American League with a batting average of .330, along with 44 homers and 139 RBIs.
Carl Yastrzemski of Boston last won the Triple Crown way back in 1967.
Carl Yastrzemski said in a statement: "I am glad that he accomplished this while leading his team to the American League Central title." He was mentioning the fact that his team the Boston Red Sox had also reached the World Series in 1967 when he had won the Triple Crown that year.
The Detroit Tigers will certainly have that opportunity when they open the postseason against the Oakland Athletics Saturday.
"It was hard the last two days because everybody talked about it," the man of the moment Cabrera said. "I just had to focus, I had to go out there and do the job.
"The hardest part was to go out there and focus and win games. I said, 'If we win the division, everything would take care of itself'."
The overall atmosphere at the Kauffman Stadium was electrifying, as everyone seemed to be rejoicing - the players, the fans and even the managers.
An ecstatic Jim Leyland, manager of the Detroit Tigers, said: "I would say without question he's enjoyed it. How could you not enjoy what he's done if you're a baseball player? I doubt very much, knowing him that he necessarily enjoys all the extra attention, and all the extra conversations he's had to have. It's kind of out of his realm in personality, to be honest with you."
Meanwhile others who witnessed his exemplary performances in recent times also commented on Cabrera's terrific form.
"It's pretty amazing," Royals player Alex Gordon said. "Honestly, his numbers are like that every year. He has a great average, great home runs, great RBIs. He's a guy who can pull this off, and it's great for the game."
Even Ned Yost, the Royals manager complimented Cabrera saying: "I think they're both (Cabrera and Trout) fantastic players, tremendous players, both of them but if Cabrera wins the Triple Crown, he has to be the MVP, absolutely."
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