Even with an 0-for-2 night in Wednesday's regular-season finale for the Tigers, Miguel Cabrera clinched the first Triple Crown — leading the American League in home runs (44), RBI (139) and batting average (.330) — since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. And then the congratulations started to pour in. [Click here for the full story of the final night in Cabrera's chase.]

Here are a trio of released congratulatory statements:

Yastrzemski: 
“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Miguel Cabrera on winning the Triple Crown. I am glad that he accomplished this while leading his team to the American League Central title. I was fortunate enough to win this award in 1967 as part of the Red Sox Impossible Dream Team. I am sure Frank Robinson joins me in commending Miguel in reaching this significant milestone in his career.”

Frank Robinson, who won the Triple Crown in 1966:
“I congratulate Miguel Cabrera on winning the Triple Crown. Miguel has been outstanding all year long by coming to play every day, showing his discipline at the plate and making the most of his great talent. For me, earning the batting title over Tony Oliva, who we played against in the last series of the year, was the hardest part, and for Miguel, I am sure it was even more challenging, given all the specialized relievers in the game today. Most importantly, Miguel and the Tigers now have the opportunity to participate in the most exciting month of the baseball season. This is an incredible accomplishment for a gifted young man, and Miguel should be proud of his all-around excellence and consistency throughout the season.”

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig:
“It is an honor to congratulate Miguel Cabrera on earning the Triple Crown, a remarkable achievement that places him amongst an elite few in all of Baseball history. Miguel has long been one of the most accomplished hitters in the game, and this recognition is one that he will be able to cherish for the rest of his career in baseball and beyond. As the Tigers prepare for the Postseason, we have a global stage to witness Miguel’s talent, which will go down as one of the hallmarks of Major League Baseball’s extraordinary 2012 regular season.”