THIS DAY IN BÉISBOL August 1: Asdrubal Cabrera blasts pair of 2-run HRs for Indians

Most every team these days strives to have an Asdrubal Cabrera on the roster — a switch-hitting infielder with pop who can play small ball and man multiple positions when needed. 

Now retired, the well-traveled Venezuela native played for eight MLB teams, including eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians over a 15-year career that included winning a World Series after joining the Washington Nationals as a free agent in August 2019. The 33-year-year-old veteran hit .323 with 6 homers and 40 RBI in just 38 games down the pennant stretch. 

But on this day in béisbol, Aug. 1, 2011, Cabrera was the 25-year-old starting shortstop for the Cleveland Indians who enjoyed one of his best days ever at the plate.

In a 9-6 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Cabrera hit a pair of two-run homers to key the Indians win.

The 2011 season turned out to be the high point of Cabrera’s career. He finished the year with 25 home runs and 92 RBI, earning the first of two All-Star game appearances and a Silver Slugger award.

Also on this day: Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, a member of the 500 Home Run Club who celebrated his 3,000th career hit just a few weeks prior, tainted his legacy when he was suspended for testing positive for steroids.