"My drinking was a problem, and I feel good without it" - When Miguel Cabrera opened up about his alcohol addiction and came out stronger
Miguel Cabrera was a star in the big leagues. He was considered one of the best hitters of his generation, but his career was not all sunshine and rainbows. Alcohol played a huge part in his life for a while and was starting to take a grip on him. It became too much to handle in 2010 when he was a member of the Detroit Tigers, and he decided to seek help.
Cabrera spent three months in an outpatient treatment program for alcoholism. After treatment, he understood the problem and had ways to cope with the pressures, via ESPN per the Associated Press.
"My drinking was a problem, and I feel good without it. I feel like a new man," said Cabrera.
Cabrera knew he had a problem during the end of the 2009 season when he was taken into custody after a domestic abuse complaint was filed. This was just hours before a crucial October game against the Chicago White Sox.
"I've worked very hard with my doctors and my family this winter, and I'm going to keep working," said Cabrera.
Cabrera knew he had demons and was working on them. While all was good for a while, he would find himself in controversy once again a few years later.
Problems would follow Miguel Cabrera
While things were looking up for Miguel Cabrera, he would quickly find himself in trouble again. In the winter of 2011, he was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving in Florida.
He was reportedly beligerent to the officer and made quite the scene. It felt like a ginormous step backward after making good progress the year prior. He posted his bail and was released the following day, but the damage was done.
However, that would be the last time Cabrera would have a major incident that involved drinking. He would work to get sober and continue being a force to be reckoned with the Detroit Tigers.
It is great to see such a monumental player able to work through something that was hurting him. It goes to show that even the most elite professional athletes struggle with some of the same demons we do.
Cabrera retired following the 2023 season and did it with style. He finished with 511 career home runs, ranking him 25th all-time.