Melky Cabrera
Encyclopedia
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball
outfielder
for the San Francisco Giants
.
.
He made his first minor league appearance with the Rookie-Advanced team in the NY Penn League
with the Staten Island Yankees
in , batting
.283 with 31 RBIs
in 67 games. In , he moved up to Class A with the Battle Creek Yankees
, hitting .333 with 16 RBI in 42 games before being promoted to the high Class A Tampa Yankees
, where he hit .288 with 51 RBI in 85 games to finish the season.
In , Cabrera started off with the Class AA Trenton Thunder
, hitting .275 with 60 RBIs in 106 games. At the end of June, he was called up to the Class AAA Columbus Clippers
. On July 7, 2005, he made his major league debut. However, he only played six games before he was moved back down to Columbus. In 2006, he started the season in Columbus, but due to injuries to Hideki Matsui
and Gary Sheffield
, he became the everyday left fielder
for the Yankees.
. His first at bat
against Kevin Millwood
resulted in a strikeout
. He collected his first major league hit
, a single
, to left field, in his third at bat to a standing ovation. The next day, he went 2-for-3 against Cleveland Indians pitcher Cliff Lee
, scoring his first major league run
. Cabrera would go 0-for-his next 13 and make a costly miscue in center on July 15 against the Boston Red Sox
at Fenway Park
, misplaying a Trot Nixon
fly ball that resulted in an inside-the-park homer
during a 17–1 defeat. He was sent down to Class AAA Columbus the next day for 17 games, and then demoted back to Class AA Trenton Thunder
to finish out the season.
of with starting outfielder
s Johnny Damon
and Bernie Williams
playing in the World Baseball Classic
. He impressed the Yankees by hitting .349 in 16 games, however, he was ultimately sent to Class AAA Columbus at the start of the season.
He had a strong start to the season, hitting .385 with 4 home run
s and 24 RBI in just 31 games before being called up on May 9 after left fielder Hideki Matsui broke his wrist and landed on the disabled list
until September 12. Cabrera stepped in at left field and hitting .318 in May with his first 10 career RBI and two career stolen base
s. On May 30, batting leadoff for just the second time in his career, he recorded his first career 4-hit game, going 4-for-6, missing the cycle
by a homer. In June, he fell into a slump, although he hit his first major league home run on June 15. On June 6, in the 8th inning of a 2-1 game against the Red Sox, Melky made an outstanding catch in left-center, (which became known as "The Melky Catch") leaping over the wall to steal a home run from Boston's Manny Ramírez
. After the catch, Johnny Damon cheered and danced in the outfield. This play earned Melky a "This Year In Baseball" Award (voted on by the fans) for the most outstanding play of the 2006 season. In July, Melky heated up again, hitting .313 with 14 RBI. Highlights of the month included his first career 5-RBI game on July 5, with his first career grand slam
against Paul Byrd
to break a tie score. On July 18, Melky hit his first career walk-off home run
, a line shot in the bottom of the 11th against the Seattle Mariners
to give the Yankees a 5–4 win. He finished the 2006 season tied for second in the league with 12 outfield assists
.
went on the disabled list on June 1. Giambi's placement on the DL, however, gave Cabrera more playing time. Johnny Damon was moved to Giambi's role of designated hitter
and Cabrera took Damon's spot in center field. Since then, Cabrera hit .320 with 3 of his 5 home runs and 21 of his 36 RBI. He also had a then career high 13-game hitting streak going from July 1–17. While Bobby Abreu
was struggling in July, Cabrera batted second so that Derek Jeter
could move to third in the lineup. He cemented himself as the Yankees' starting center fielder, causing Giambi to compete with at bats at DH since he returned from the DL. His career-high hitting streak of 19 games ended in a 2-hit whipping by the Baltimore Orioles
when the Orioles outscored the Yankees 12–0. However, he continued to get on base with a walk
. Prior to the July 31 trade deadline, the Texas Rangers'
offered Yankees GM Brian Cashman
their closer
, Eric Gagné
, in exchange for Cabrera. Cashman refused this proposal, showing how valuable he thought Cabrera was to the Yankees.
In , Cabrera was fourth in the American League
in sacrifice flies (9), fifth in sacrifice hits (10), sixth in triples
(8), and tied for third in outfield assists (16).
Cabrera became the second youngest Yankee ever to hit a walk-off home run
when he did so on June 15, 2007; the youngest Yankee to do so was Mickey Mantle
. On July 7, 2007, Cabrera tied a Yankees record by striking out five times in a single 13-inning game, a feat known as the platinum sombrero.
and Phil Hughes in exchange for starting pitcher
Johan Santana
of the Minnesota Twins
. (The New York Mets
eventually acquired Santana.) Cabrera was involved in a bench-clearing brawl against the Tampa Bay Rays
in a 2008 spring training pre-season game. MLB claimed to have seen video that showed Cabrera punching Rays third baseman
Evan Longoria
during the brawl. Cabrera was suspended two games, along with teammate Shelley Duncan
, and third base coach Bobby Meacham
and hitting coach Kevin Long
were also fined for their actions in the brawl.
In 2008, Cabrera proved to be a less-than-adequate center fielder for the Yankees. His fielding and great arm could not make up for his poor hitting. In early August, Joe Girardi
made Cabrera their fourth outfielder, making Johnny Damon the everyday center fielder. On August 15, 2008, the Yankees sent Cabrera back to their Class AAA affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
He was called up again to play on September 5, 2008.
from #28 to #53, the same number he wore when he played in the Winter Leagues; Bobby Abreu
, who had played for the Yankees from mid-2006 to 2008, had previously worn # 53. Cabrera competed with Brett Gardner
for the starting center field job; Gardner won the job, but Joe Girardi
announced his intention to use Cabrera as a backup. On April 22, 2009, Cabrera hit the first walk-off hit in the new Yankee Stadium
, a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 14th inning, to help the Yankees win 9–7. By late April, due to Brett Gardner
slumping, plus his own streak of stellar play, Cabrera retook the starting center field position. On May 15, he hit a walk-off single to win the game 5-4. On May 23, Melky had another walk-off hit, this time a single driving in Robinson Cano
after Alex Rodriguez
hit a two-run home run
to tie the game. Melky played right field that day. On May 27, as Melky attempted to catch a deep fly ball, he collided with the center field wall in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, which is the home of the Texas Rangers
. He injured his shoulder and was listed as day-to-day. On June 4, Melky hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the eighth to break a 6-6 tie and it was eventually the winning hit. On June 9 it was announced that he had won the Major League Baseball Clutch Performer of the Month of May.
On August 2, 2009, Cabrera became the first Yankee to hit for the cycle
since Tony Fernandez
did it on September 3, 1995. The home run was his 10th of the season, which set a new personal high. He also collected his 200th career RBI in the game. Cabrera finished the season by playing in his first World Series
with the Yankees and helping them defeat the Philadelphia Phillies
in the 2009 World Series
.
with Mike Dunn
and pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino
for Javier Vázquez
and Boone Logan
. Cabrera signed a one year deal with the Braves avoiding arbitration.
On October 19, 2010, Cabrera was released by the Atlanta Braves
.
.
As of August 31, Cabrera was having his best season as a professional batting .302 with 17 home runs, 78 RBIs & 17 stolen bases.
On July 29, Cabrera hit the Royals' first grand slam of the season.
In his breakout 2011 season, Cabrera set career highs in RBIs (87), runs scored (102), stolen bases (20), home runs (18), and batting average (.305), while also finishing 4th in the American League in hits, with 201.
and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo.
. Cabrera has one son.
Cabrera's nickname around the Yankee clubhouse was "Leche," which is Spanish for "milk." When Cabrera recorded an RBI or made a flashy defensive play, the Yankee Stadium baseline scoreboards flashed "Tiene Leche?" ("Got Milk?")
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
for the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
.
Minors
Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17. In , at age 18, he made his professional debut with the Yankees Rookie League affiliate in the Dominican Summer LeagueDominican Summer League
The Dominican Summer League is a branch of affiliated minor league baseball which is played in the Dominican Republic. The league was founded in 1985. The 2011 72-game season begins May 28 and ends August 20...
.
He made his first minor league appearance with the Rookie-Advanced team in the NY Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
with the Staten Island Yankees
Staten Island Yankees
The Staten Island Yankees are a minor league baseball team, located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Nicknamed the "Baby Bombers," the Yankees are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the New York Yankees and play in the New York - Penn League at Richmond County Bank Ballpark...
in , batting
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.283 with 31 RBIs
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
in 67 games. In , he moved up to Class A with the Battle Creek Yankees
Battle Creek Yankees
The Michigan Battle Cats of the Midwest League became the Battle Creek Yankees for the 2003 season. In 2005, their affiliation with the New York Yankees ended. They became an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays known as the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays. The team played their home games in C.O...
, hitting .333 with 16 RBI in 42 games before being promoted to the high Class A Tampa Yankees
Tampa Yankees
The Tampa Yankees are a minor league baseball team based in Tampa, Florida. They are currently members of the Florida State League and are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees Major League Baseball team. Home games are played at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a miniature replica of...
, where he hit .288 with 51 RBI in 85 games to finish the season.
In , Cabrera started off with the Class AA Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
, hitting .275 with 60 RBIs in 106 games. At the end of June, he was called up to the Class AAA Columbus Clippers
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
. On July 7, 2005, he made his major league debut. However, he only played six games before he was moved back down to Columbus. In 2006, he started the season in Columbus, but due to injuries to Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
and Gary Sheffield
Gary Sheffield
Gary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
, he became the everyday left fielder
Left fielder
In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
for the Yankees.
2005 - Major League debut
On July 7, Cabrera made his major league debut in center field at Yankee Stadium against the Cleveland Indians2005 Cleveland Indians season
The Cleveland Indians' 2005 season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Indians attempting to win the American League Central division.-Offseason:* November 3, 2004: Ernie Young was signed as a Free Agent with the Cleveland Indians....
. His first at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
against Kevin Millwood
Kevin Millwood
Kevin Austin Millwood is an American professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies.-Personal life:Millwood graduated from Bessemer City High School in North Carolina...
resulted in a strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
. He collected his first major league hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, a single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
, to left field, in his third at bat to a standing ovation. The next day, he went 2-for-3 against Cleveland Indians pitcher Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
, scoring his first major league run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
. Cabrera would go 0-for-his next 13 and make a costly miscue in center on July 15 against the Boston Red Sox
2005 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox' 2005 season included the Boston Red Sox attempting to win the American League East in the American League. The Red Sox finished 95-67, with the same record as the New York Yankees...
at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
, misplaying a Trot Nixon
Trot Nixon
Christopher Trotman Nixon is an American retired professional baseball right fielder. He played from 1996-2008 for three different teams, but is noted primarily for his time with the Boston Red Sox...
fly ball that resulted in an inside-the-park homer
Inside-the-park home run
In baseball parlance, an inside-the-park home run, "leg home run", or "quadruple", is a play where a batter hits a home run without hitting the ball out of play.-Discussion:...
during a 17–1 defeat. He was sent down to Class AAA Columbus the next day for 17 games, and then demoted back to Class AA Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
to finish out the season.
2006
Cabrera saw a lot of time in spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
of with starting outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
s Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
and Bernie Williams
Bernie Williams
Bernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
playing in the World Baseball Classic
2006 World Baseball Classic
---------Pool B:-------------Pool C:-------------Pool D:-------------Pool 1:-----------------Pool 2:-------------Finals:-Semifinals:-Final:-Final standings:...
. He impressed the Yankees by hitting .349 in 16 games, however, he was ultimately sent to Class AAA Columbus at the start of the season.
He had a strong start to the season, hitting .385 with 4 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and 24 RBI in just 31 games before being called up on May 9 after left fielder Hideki Matsui broke his wrist and landed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
until September 12. Cabrera stepped in at left field and hitting .318 in May with his first 10 career RBI and two career stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s. On May 30, batting leadoff for just the second time in his career, he recorded his first career 4-hit game, going 4-for-6, missing the cycle
Hitting for the cycle
In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
by a homer. In June, he fell into a slump, although he hit his first major league home run on June 15. On June 6, in the 8th inning of a 2-1 game against the Red Sox, Melky made an outstanding catch in left-center, (which became known as "The Melky Catch") leaping over the wall to steal a home run from Boston's Manny Ramírez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
. After the catch, Johnny Damon cheered and danced in the outfield. This play earned Melky a "This Year In Baseball" Award (voted on by the fans) for the most outstanding play of the 2006 season. In July, Melky heated up again, hitting .313 with 14 RBI. Highlights of the month included his first career 5-RBI game on July 5, with his first career grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
against Paul Byrd
Paul Byrd
Paul Gregory Byrd is an American professional baseball right-handed starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He pitched in Major League Baseball from 1995 to 2009. He is known as being the "nicest guy in baseball"...
to break a tie score. On July 18, Melky hit his first career walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
, a line shot in the bottom of the 11th against the Seattle Mariners
2006 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners 2006 season was their 30th since the franchise creation, and their third consecutive season finishing at the bottom of the American League West, finishing with a record of 78-84 ....
to give the Yankees a 5–4 win. He finished the 2006 season tied for second in the league with 12 outfield assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
.
2007
Cabrera was given the role of fourth outfielder at the beginning of the 2007 season. He struggled, batting just .200 in April and .254 in May in limited playing time. He was batting .223 on the season when Jason GiambiJason Giambi
Jason Gilbert Giambi is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.He was the American League MVP in 2000 while with the Oakland Athletics, and is a five-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks four times, in on base percentage...
went on the disabled list on June 1. Giambi's placement on the DL, however, gave Cabrera more playing time. Johnny Damon was moved to Giambi's role of designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
and Cabrera took Damon's spot in center field. Since then, Cabrera hit .320 with 3 of his 5 home runs and 21 of his 36 RBI. He also had a then career high 13-game hitting streak going from July 1–17. While Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu
Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu , nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim....
was struggling in July, Cabrera batted second so that Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
could move to third in the lineup. He cemented himself as the Yankees' starting center fielder, causing Giambi to compete with at bats at DH since he returned from the DL. His career-high hitting streak of 19 games ended in a 2-hit whipping by the Baltimore Orioles
2007 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles' 2007 season involved the Orioles finishing with a record of 69 wins and 93 losses and fourth place in the AL East. On June 18, 2007 manager Sam Perlozzo was fired and replaced with bullpen coach Dave Trembley as interim manager. Trembley was named full-time manager on August...
when the Orioles outscored the Yankees 12–0. However, he continued to get on base with a walk
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
. Prior to the July 31 trade deadline, the Texas Rangers'
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
offered Yankees GM Brian Cashman
Brian Cashman
Brian McGuire Cashman is an American Major League Baseball executive for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Cashman was born in Rockville Centre, New York and raised in Washingtonville, New York. He was raised in an Irish Catholic family. He moved with his family to Lexington, Kentucky, where his...
their closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
, Eric Gagné
Éric Gagné
Éric Serge Gagné is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 1995, Gagné began his career as a starting pitcher...
, in exchange for Cabrera. Cashman refused this proposal, showing how valuable he thought Cabrera was to the Yankees.
In , Cabrera was fourth in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in sacrifice flies (9), fifth in sacrifice hits (10), sixth in triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(8), and tied for third in outfield assists (16).
Cabrera became the second youngest Yankee ever to hit a walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
when he did so on June 15, 2007; the youngest Yankee to do so was Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
. On July 7, 2007, Cabrera tied a Yankees record by striking out five times in a single 13-inning game, a feat known as the platinum sombrero.
2008
Before the season began, Cabrera was involved in trade talks along with young pitching prospects Ian KennedyIan Kennedy
Ian Patrick Kennedy is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.He is 6' 0" tall and weighs 190 pounds...
and Phil Hughes in exchange for starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
Johan Santana
Johan Santana
Johan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
of the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
. (The New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
eventually acquired Santana.) Cabrera was involved in a bench-clearing brawl against the Tampa Bay Rays
2008 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
in a 2008 spring training pre-season game. MLB claimed to have seen video that showed Cabrera punching Rays third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
during the brawl. Cabrera was suspended two games, along with teammate Shelley Duncan
Shelley Duncan
David Shelley Duncan is a Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Cleveland Indians.-Personal:Duncan is the oldest son of Dave Duncan, a MLB catcher and pitching coach...
, and third base coach Bobby Meacham
Bobby Meacham
Robert Andrew Meacham is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who spent his entire six year career with the New York Yankees...
and hitting coach Kevin Long
Kevin Long (baseball)
Kevin Richard Long is a former minor league baseball player and the current hitting coach for the New York Yankees.-Playing career:Long graduated from Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Arizona....
were also fined for their actions in the brawl.
In 2008, Cabrera proved to be a less-than-adequate center fielder for the Yankees. His fielding and great arm could not make up for his poor hitting. In early August, Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
made Cabrera their fourth outfielder, making Johnny Damon the everyday center fielder. On August 15, 2008, the Yankees sent Cabrera back to their Class AAA affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
He was called up again to play on September 5, 2008.
2009
During Spring Training , Cabrera changed his uniform numberUniform number (Major League Baseball)
As in many sports, a baseball player's uniform number has the purpose of identifying the player. However, it has come over time to have a much more significant meaning to the player and fans. A number can be symbolic of a player's legacy, and has resulted in all kinds of superstition...
from #28 to #53, the same number he wore when he played in the Winter Leagues; Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu
Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu , nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim....
, who had played for the Yankees from mid-2006 to 2008, had previously worn # 53. Cabrera competed with Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner
Brett M. Gardner is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the New York Yankees. Gardner, who is 5' 10", bats and throws left-handed.-College baseball career:...
for the starting center field job; Gardner won the job, but Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
announced his intention to use Cabrera as a backup. On April 22, 2009, Cabrera hit the first walk-off hit in the new Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 14th inning, to help the Yankees win 9–7. By late April, due to Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner
Brett M. Gardner is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the New York Yankees. Gardner, who is 5' 10", bats and throws left-handed.-College baseball career:...
slumping, plus his own streak of stellar play, Cabrera retook the starting center field position. On May 15, he hit a walk-off single to win the game 5-4. On May 23, Melky had another walk-off hit, this time a single driving in Robinson Cano
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
after Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
hit a two-run home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
to tie the game. Melky played right field that day. On May 27, as Melky attempted to catch a deep fly ball, he collided with the center field wall in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, which is the home of the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. He injured his shoulder and was listed as day-to-day. On June 4, Melky hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the eighth to break a 6-6 tie and it was eventually the winning hit. On June 9 it was announced that he had won the Major League Baseball Clutch Performer of the Month of May.
On August 2, 2009, Cabrera became the first Yankee to hit for the cycle
Hitting for the cycle
In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
since Tony Fernandez
Tony Fernández
Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro , better known as Tony Fernández, is a former Major League Baseball player most noted for his defensive skills setting a record for shortstops with a .992 fielding percentage in 1989.-Career:...
did it on September 3, 1995. The home run was his 10th of the season, which set a new personal high. He also collected his 200th career RBI in the game. Cabrera finished the season by playing in his first World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
with the Yankees and helping them defeat the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in the 2009 World Series
2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series was the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Philadelphia Phillies, champions of the National League and defending World Series champions, and the New York Yankees, champions of the American League...
.
Atlanta Braves (2010)
On December 22, 2009, Cabrera was traded to the Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
with Mike Dunn
Michael Dunn (baseball)
Michael G. Dunn is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-Baseball career:Dunn played collegiate baseball for the Community College of Southern Nevada from 2003 to 2005...
and pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino
Arodys Vizcaíno
Arodys Vizcaíno is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.-Professional career:Vizcaíno was signed by the New York Yankees as an international free agent on July 2, 2007. He was traded from the Yankees to the Atlanta Braves with Melky Cabrera, Mike Dunn, and $500,000 in exchange...
for Javier Vázquez
Javier Vázquez
Javier Carlos Vázquez is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. Previously, he pitched for the Florida Marlins , Atlanta Braves , Chicago White Sox , Arizona Diamondbacks , New York Yankees and Montreal Expos . Vázquez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico...
and Boone Logan
Boone Logan
Boone Logan is a left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Logan previously played for the Chicago White Sox from 2006–2008 and the Atlanta Braves in 2009.-Playing career:...
. Cabrera signed a one year deal with the Braves avoiding arbitration.
On October 19, 2010, Cabrera was released by the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
Kansas City Royals (2011)
On December 9, 2010, Cabrera signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
.
As of August 31, Cabrera was having his best season as a professional batting .302 with 17 home runs, 78 RBIs & 17 stolen bases.
On July 29, Cabrera hit the Royals' first grand slam of the season.
In his breakout 2011 season, Cabrera set career highs in RBIs (87), runs scored (102), stolen bases (20), home runs (18), and batting average (.305), while also finishing 4th in the American League in hits, with 201.
San Francisco Giants (2012)
On November 7, 2011, Melky Cabrera was traded to the San Francisco Giants for left-handed pitcher Jonathan SánchezJonathan Sanchez
Jonathan O. Sánchez is a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals....
and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo.
Personal life
His best friend is New York Yankees second baseman Robinson CanoRobinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
. Cabrera has one son.
Cabrera's nickname around the Yankee clubhouse was "Leche," which is Spanish for "milk." When Cabrera recorded an RBI or made a flashy defensive play, the Yankee Stadium baseline scoreboards flashed "Tiene Leche?" ("Got Milk?")