Report: Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch will miss game for daughter's graduation
When the Detroit Tigers take the field next Friday against the Chicago White Sox, manager AJ Hinch won’t be in the dugout. Instead, he’ll be in Houston for a special occasion.
Per Detroit sportswriter Chris McCosky, Hinch will return to Houston next week for his daughter’s graduation. Obviously, the veteran MLB manager has his priorities in order.
No further details were provided, so it’s probably safe to assume Hinch will return to managerial duties for Saturday’s game in Chicago. Friday’s game is the first of a three-game series against the Sox.
We love that Hinch is putting his daughter’s special day above baseball. It’s not uncommon to see prominent sports figures make these kinds of decisions, but they still tend to be pretty heart-warming.
Hinch and his family spent a significant amount of time in Houston when he was manager of the Astros. He served in that role from 2015-19, leading the team to a World Series win in 2017.
In January 2020, Hinch faced a full-year suspension from the MLB for a sign-stealing scandal during that championship run in 2017. The Astros then fired the manager after five seasons.
Hinch landed the job with Detroit in 2021 but the family still has ties in Houston.
Nationals present special gift to Tigers star Miguel Cabrera
Legendary Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera is making his way through his farewell tour this season. As the 12-time MLB All-Star enjoys his final season in the big leagues, he’s receiving some unique gifts at different stadium stops.
When Detroit traveled to Washington, the Nationals organization prepared some fun farewell gifts for Cabrera. He received a folded American flag, a base signed by the entire team and, most importantly, a rocking chair.
In a social media post, the Nats wrote, “A rocking chair fit for a king.”
This season, Cabrera has primarily been used in a designated hitter role for the Tigers. He’s batting .181 on the season with four RBIs. He has yet to add another home run to his career total through the first third of the season.
But Cabrera has already put together a Hall of Fame career in 21 seasons in the major league. He’s notched over 3,000 hits and 500 home runs with more than 1,800 RBIs.
Cabrera has spent a majority of his career (2008-present) with the Tigers. Prior to that, he played five seasons (2003) with the Marlins.
In addition to his 12 All-Star selections, Cabrera is also a two-time AL MVP, a seven-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award, a four-time AL batting champion and a two-time AL home run leader. He was also part of the 2003 Marlins team that won a World Series.