Professional baseball player Miguel Cabrera has joined an elite group of his fellow Major Leaguers. On Sunday, August 22, the Detroit Tigers’ first baseman became only the 28th player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to hit 500 home runs in his career.
Cabrera reached the feat at the top of the sixth inning when he swung on a pitch from Toronto Blue Jay’s pitcher Steven Matz and sent the ball flying into the right-center stands for a solo home run. The Tigers won the game 5-3.
“It’s something special for my country, for my family, to be able to do this,” , said Cabrera, who was born in Maracay, Venezuela. “I’m really happy.”
After the game, Cabrera’s teammates celebrated with him in the clubhouse by drenching him in champagne. “When he hit that ball, I knew something special was about to happen and history was about to happen,” teammate Jeimer Candelario said. “For me, being a part of that is a blessing. It helped us to win a ballgame too.”
Along with being the 28th MLB player to hit 500 home runs, Cabrera also became the seventh Latino player to reach the milestone. It’s worth noting the fact that he is also the only one of the seven to not be accused of alleged steroid use at some point in their career.
Here’s a look at the other Latino ballplayers who are welcoming Cabrera into their exclusive club:
1
Alex Rodriguez
In 2007, as a member of the New York Yankees, Rodriguez hit his 500th home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher Kyle Davies during the first inning. Rodriguez stands at No. 4 on the MLB’s list of home run leaders of all time with 696. The only players in front of him are sports legends Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755), and Barry Bonds (762).
2
Albert Pujols
Besides Cabrera, Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman is the only Latine player in the 500 club who is still currently active in the MLB. Pujols hit a two-run shot to left-center field in 2014 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He congratulated Cabrera on his success and said, “Miggy, my brother, welcome to the 500 Club. I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished in this game. Many more to come. Good luck. God bless you.” Pujols is No. 5 on the MLB’s list of home run leaders of all time with 677.
3
Sammy Sosa
As a member of the Chicago Cubs, Sosa made history in 2003 at the top of the seventh inning against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Sullivan.
4
Rafael Palmeiro
In 2003, the Texas Rangers star belted his 500th home run into right field during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians. As he rounded the bases, the theme song to the inspirational 1984 baseball film The Natural played over the speakers in the ballpark.
5
Manny Ramírez
Ramírez reached the home run milestone in 2008 as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
6
David Ortiz
In 2015, Ortiz, who was a member of the Boston Red Sox, set a ball flying over right-center field against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for his 500th career home run. He congratulated Cabrera for joining him in the club: “Miggy, 500, wow!” he said. “My brother, congratulations. Very proud of you. You are a role model. You are an unbelievable example for young fellas out there growing up, especially coming from another country. Welcome to the club!”