The Detroit Tigers are languishing in September, now certain to miss the postseason for the first time since 2010. Yet Miguel Cabrera’s status as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history is clearer than ever.
Despite a calf injury that resulted in a month-long absence from the Tigers’ lineup — and the first disabled list stint of his major-league career — Cabrera has returned to his customary position, atop the American League in batting average.
Now that Cabrera has enough plate appearances to qualify, he’s on pace to win the batting title for the fourth time in five years. With that, he’s about to join very exclusive company. (Again.)
Here’s the complete list of right-handed batters with at least four batting titles in any five-year span:
-- Rogers Hornsby, 1920-25 (six straight)
-- Honus Wagner, 1906-09 (four straight), also seven in nine years from ’03-’11
-- Nap Lajoie, 1901-04 (four straight)
In other words, it’s been nearly a century since a right-handed batter accomplished what Cabrera is on the verge of doing. And keep in mind, Cabrera has done all of this with a minuscule number of infield singles. His career batting average is a loud .322.
As for the left-handers with four or more batting titles in five years.
-- Tony Gwynn, 1994-97 (four straight)
-- Wade Boggs, 1985-88 (four straight)
-- Rod Carew, 1972-75 (four straight), also six in seven years from ’72-’78
-- Stan Musial, 1948-52 (four in five years)
-- Ty Cobb, 1911-15 (five straight), also 11 in 13 years from ’07-’19
That’s it. Eight players in more than 100 years. Right-handed or left-handed, they have one thing in common: They’re all Hall of Famers. There’s little doubt Cabrera will be one, too.
