Tigers' Miguel Cabrera targets 3,000th hit after historic 500th homer

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- MLB legend Miguel Cabrera clubbed his 500th career home run to lead the Detroit Tigers to their latest win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Cabrera told reporters his next goal this season is to log his 3,000th career hit.

Cabrera became the first Venezuelan to join MLB's exclusive 500 home run club when he swatted a 1-1 changeup off Blue Jays starter Steven Matz to right field for a 400 foot solo shot in the sixth inning of the 5-3 win Sunday in Toronto.

"It was nice timing, because that tied the game," Cabrera told reporters Sunday. "That was big for us because we came in trying to win the series."

Cabrera hit his 499th homer Aug. 11. He said he hoped to hit his 500th homer at Comerica Park in Detroit, but was thankful he achieved the milestone.

Cabrera, 38, told reporters in February that he wanted to hit his 500th homer and earn his 3,000th hit this season.

The 11-time All-Star and two-time MVP is 45 hits shy of the latter achievement. The Tigers have 36 games remaining in 2021.

"As the first player in the 121-year history of the Detroit Tigers to accomplish this amazing feat, our organization is excited, proud and thrilled to join you in celebrating this historic moment," Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch said in a statement.

"We thank you for the excitement you have brought to the game and the memories and joy you have brought to our fans. And all of us are rooting for you in the chase for your next milestone, 3,000 hits!"

Cabrera sits at No. 28 all time in career home runs, four behind No. 27 Eddie Murray. Thirty-two players are in MLB's 3,000-hit club.

The Tigers (60-66) battle the St. Louis Cardinals (63-60) at 7:45 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.