Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera Officially Wins American League Triple Crown

Nobody on the planet has done it since 1967, and no Detroit Tiger has done it since 1909.

After Game 162 of the MLB season on Wednesday, Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera has clinched the American League Triple Crown.

The 29-year-old won his second consecutive batting title, finishing with a .330 average, and completed the 2012 regular season first in the AL in home runs with 43, and RBI with 139.

The Triple Crown title was in doubt until the final day of the season, but Cabrera finished four points higher than Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout in average, and one home run and 11 RBI ahead of Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton, to take home the crown.

Cabrera, who also finished first in the AL in slugging and OPS, has shied away from the spotlight all season, but accomplishing a feat that hasn't been completed in 45 years deserves great recognition.

Cabrera's chase at the Triple Crown has flown largely under the radar this season and Tigers President Dave Dombrowski said the rare achievement should be emphatically celebrated.

"I don't think people realize what a special accomplishment it really is," Dombrowski said to the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday. "To lead all three categories the same year, to win the Triple Crown, is something most of us have never seen, and maybe will never see again."

Cabrera guided his team to a narrow AL Central Division Championship, leading the Tigers back from a three-game deficit with just 15 games remaining. He led Detroit to back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 1935, and will almost certainly win his first career MVP.