ESPN REPORT: Another Strong Player Commits to Detroit Tigers.
Port Saint Lucie, Florida: Zack Short, an infielder, has moved on to a new team, but he will always cherish the memories he made with the Detroit Tigers during the previous three seasons.
Short was acquired by the Tigers from the Chicago Cubs on the August 2020 trading deadline. In 450 plate appearances, he hit.204 with 13 home runs during his 179 games with the Tigers. He also played 196 games with Triple-A Toledo.
In November 2023, the Tigers placed Short, an infield defense specialist, on waivers. The New York Mets claimed him, and he’s enjoying himself while adjusting to a new team and its practices during spring training.
“Participating is enjoyable,” Short remarked on Sunday morning while positioned in front of his locker within the Mets’ clubhouse. “It’s fun learning from a bunch of older guys, compared to what it was last year.”
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Short, a former Sacred Heart University player selected in the 17th round of the draft, spoke with the Free Press about his three seasons with the Tigers, spending the final one with future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, and his hopes for the 2024 Tigers from a distance. (Edited questions to improve clarity.)
Zack Short, the shortstop for the New York Mets, returns to the dugout for an exhibition in spring training versus the Houston Astros at Clover Park, March 3, 2024 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Short was placed on waivers by the Tigers and claimed by the Mets at the start of the offseason.
“At some point, I kind of expected it. Considering that it’s a company, I didn’t anticipate it happening so soon. Nothing negative at all. That’s just the way things are. I wish I could have performed a little bit better there, particularly in the closing stages, but once more, things happen as they do.”
What did you get out of your three years with the Tigers?
It had great significance. That’s where I essentially grew up playing baseball. First hit, debut, playing with Miggy and observing Miggy in action. I gained a lot of knowledge about the game and about myself, particularly when you reach the major leagues and encounter those challenges. I believe it will improve both my character and my ability to play going future.”
You participated in 110 games in 2023, six games in 2022, and 61 games for the Tigers in 2021. What lessons did you learn and how did you handle the highs and lows?
On May 24, 2023, at Kansas City, Missouri, Tigers pinch hitter Zack Short smashes a three-run home run in the sixth inning.
It was difficult, particularly when you felt that, given the way things went with the team overall, you ought to have had a chance at some point that year (2022). However, there is a steep learning curve. Last year, I played ok for the most of the year (2023). For me, even playing that much more and generally delivering at a certain caliber was a significant leap. As I prepared to come off the bench and discovered which pocket belongs to me, I discovered a lot about myself and my mental toughness. It was almost like being at a vintage National League game. Given the way the roster was put together, I felt certain I would end myself in there eventually. You were playing if you weren’t already. That’s a skill, in my opinion, of knowing when to prepare your body and when to lock yourself in psychologically rather than burning yourself out too soon. Every year seems to be a learning curve, in my opinion. I’m really appreciative of the time I spent there.”
I will never forget the moment you joined the team for a doubleheader and Miguel Cabrera exclaimed, “Shorty’s here!” as he entered the clubhouse. We’re secure. How was it to be a member of Cabrera’s team during his last season?
“That kind of thing is not made up. He is the finest. I haven’t been in touch with him or anything, but it was really amazing to see him enter the stadium in his final year, while his career statistics are shown. Evidently, he is hitting over.300 everywhere, amassing an enormous amount of hits and RBIs. Seeing him, at 39 years old, and still remarkable in some way despite enduring numerous injuries during his professional life. He was hitting backside doubles or home runs off the wall that I was witnessing. Imagine what he was doing every other game in 2012 and 2013, when he was mixing in home runs and doubles.”
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Did you make an effort to savor every moment that surrounded Cabrera the previous year?Yes, that’s right. I was out there expecting to see what they had for him, wanting to see the highlight reel, every time (another club) recognized him. It’s difficult to recognize the moment when you’re living it. It seems like a much more unique experience than I could have ever envisioned when I look back on it. He was a fantastic teammate and such a presence. It was from him that I learned. He will speak with you about anything and everything for as long as you like. You can speak with him at any time. I can’t wait to watch what he does next. Anything he wants to do, he can. I am aware that he is a special advisor and will be successful in whatever capacity that duty entails.”
