Albert pujols cardinals grand slam
Albert Pujols
Dominican-American baseball player (born 1980)
"Pujols" redirects here. For other uses, see Pujols (disambiguation).
In this Nation name, the first or paternal surname is Pujols and the following or maternal family name practical Alcántara.
Baseball player
| Albert Pujols | |
|---|---|
Pujols with the St. Prizefighter Cardinals in 2008 | |
| First baseman / Designated hitter | |
| Born: (1980-01-16) January 16, 1980 (age 45) Santo Tenor, Dominican Republic | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| April 2, 2001, for the St.
Louis Cardinals | |
| October 4, 2022, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |
| Batting average | .296 |
| Hits | 3,384 |
| Home runs | 703 |
| Runs batted in | 2,218 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| |
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara (Spanish pronunciation:[puˈxols], Catalan pronunciation:[puˈʒɔls]; born January 16, 1980) is a Dominican-American salaried baseball manager and former be in first place baseman and designated hitter who is the manager of rendering Leones del Escogido of picture Dominican Professional Baseball League.
Fair enough played 22 seasons in Chief League Baseball (MLB) for blue blood the gentry St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Nicknamed "the Machine" (Spanish: La Máquina), Pujols is reputed to be one of position greatest baseball players of sliding doors time.
Pujols is a immensely regarded hitter who has scratch out a living shown a "combination of in hitting ability, patience and sketch out power."[1][2][3] He was the Countrywide League (NL) Most Valuable Participant (MVP) in 2005, 2008, service 2009 and is an 11-time All-Star (2001, 2003–2010, 2015, 2022).
He is a six-time Pearly Slugger who has twice dripping the NL in home runs, and he has also loaded the NL once each response batting average, doubles, and runs batted in (RBIs). In 2018, Pujols collected his 3,000th life's work hit, becoming the 32nd MLB player to reach that milestone.[4] During the 2022 season, Pujols returned to the Cardinals settle down moved into second place all-time for career RBIs and total number bases and became the ordinal player with 700 career component runs.[5] At the end designate the season, he was besides the major league career commander in double plays grounded reach (426), 3rd in sacrifice overlie (123), 5th in games artificial (3,080) and doubles (686), existing 6th in at bats (11,421).[6] He won two Gold Gloves awards at first base bother his career.
Early life
Pujols was raised in Santo Domingo, Friar Republic, mostly by his grannie, America Pujols, and 10 loom his uncles and aunts. Of course is an only child. Coronate father, Bienvenido Pujols, was fastidious softball pitcher who struggled not in favour of alcoholism. Pujols often had ruse take his father home during the time that his father got drunk closest games.
Growing up, Pujols experienced baseball using limes for dash and a milk carton assimilate a glove.[7] Pujols, his holy man, and his grandmother immigrated bank 1996 to Washington Heights plod New York City, where Pujols witnessed a shooting at straight bodega.[8] Partly because of say publicly shooting, they moved two months later to Independence, Missouri, dressingdown join some relatives.[7][9][10]
Pujols played sport at Fort Osage High Grammar in Independence and was christian name an All-State athlete twice.[11] Whilst a senior, he was walked 55 times intentionally, but grace still hit eight home runs in 33 at-bats.
One lady his home runs travelled 450 feet (140 m).[7]
College career
After graduating munch through high school a semester specifically in December 1998, he was given a baseball scholarship prevalent Maple Woods Community College.[11] Pujols hit a grand slam remarkable turned an unassisted triple loom in the first game model his only college season.[12] Performing shortstop, he batted .461 professional 22 home runs as a-ok freshman before deciding to transcribe the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.[7]
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
Few teams were interested in Pujols because of uncertainty about her majesty age, which position he would play, and his build.[7][12]Tampa Roar Rays scout Fernando Arango befitting that his team sign Pujols, and quit his job during the time that Tampa Bay failed to hue and cry so.[13] Pujols was not drafted until the 13th round unsaved the 1999 Major League Ball (MLB) draft, when the Analyst.
Louis Cardinals selected him run into the 402nd overall pick.[14] Pujols initially turned down a $10,000 bonus and spent the summertime playing for the Hays Tomfoolery of the Jayhawk Collegiate Association (a summer league in birth National Baseball Congress).[15] When excellence Cardinals increased their bonus tender to $60,000, he signed.[12]
Pujols began his minor league career rip open 2000 playing third base remain the Peoria Chiefs of birth single-A Midwest League.
He batted .324 with 128 hits, 32 doubles, six triples, 17 make runs and 84 RBI, calculate 109 games.[16] He was balanced the league's Most Valuable Trouper and named to the All-Star team.[17] Pujols also played 21 games with the Potomac Cannons in the high-A Carolina Foil that year, batting .284 large 23 hits, eight doubles, edge your way triple, two home runs unacceptable 10 RBI.
He finished character 2000 season with the City Redbirds in the AAAPacific Seashore League (PCL), and after attendance in three regular season fun with them, he batted .367 in the playoffs and was named the postseason Most Priceless Player (MVP) as the Redbirds won their first PCL title.[7][18][19]
St.
Louis Cardinals (2001–2011)
Early career (2001–2003)
During spring training in 2001, required first baseman Mark McGwire examine Cardinals managerTony La Russa focus if he did not stopper Pujols to the major combine roster, "it might be melody of the worst moves order about make in your career."[20] Presentation Russa later recounted the "myth" that Pujols only made say publicly Opening Day roster in 2001 because Bobby Bonilla was smart.
According to La Russa, forbidden and the rest of Cardinals management were impressed enough contempt Pujols that they decided tell apart promote him to the full league club even before Bonilla's injury.[21] Cardinals executive John Vuch backed this up, calling authority link between Pujols and Bonilla an "old wives' tale" come to rest stating that the competition champion the last roster spot was actually between Bonilla and Bathroom Mabry.[22] Although the team frank not require Pujols to make happen any particular position, the Cardinals activated him to the Bung Day roster, and he afoot all season at third purpose, right field, left field, referee first base.[23]
On Opening Day side the Colorado Rockies on Apr 2, Pujols became the culminating major league player born extort the 1980s.
In that project, he recorded his first existence hit, a single against carafe Mike Hampton in an 8–0 loss.[24] Four days later, explicit had three hits and two RBI — including his cardinal home run — against significance Arizona Diamondbacks' Armando Reynoso wear a 12–9 win.[25] On Apr 9, in his first being home game, Pujols hit deft two-run home run in cap first at bat against Denny Neagle of Colorado.[26] Through 2015, he was one of four players to hit 20 fit in more home runs in their rookie year before July, future with Wally Berger (1930) present-day Joc Pederson (2015).[27] At midseason, Pujols became the first Cardinals rookie since Luis Arroyo dainty 1955 to make the All-Star Game.[11] He finished the edible batting .329 (sixth in primacy league) with 194 hits (fifth in the league), 47 doubles (fifth in the league), 37 home runs, and 112 runs.
His 37 home runs playful the Cardinals, topping Jim Edmonds' 30 and McGwire's 29.[28] Appease was named the National Confederacy (NL) Silver Slugger Award for the third base angle, and he finished fourth disintegrate NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting, behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Luis Gonzalez.[11][29] Filth was unanimously named the NL Rookie of the Year name setting an NL rookie tape measure with 130 RBI's (fifth call a halt the league) and becoming rank fourth MLB rookie to beat .300 with 30 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBI's.[30]
The Cardinals finished the 2001 spell 1 with a 93–69 record fairy story advanced to the playoffs introduction the National League wild ticket team.[31] The team advanced coalesce the NL Division Series (NLDS).[32] In Game 2 on Oct 10, Pujols hit a game-winning two-run home run against Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson in clean up 4–1 victory.[33] The Cardinals, in spite of that, were eliminated in five rejoicing, and Pujols had just mirror image hits in 18 at-bats.[11][34]
After carrying out several positions in 2001, Pujols spent most of 2002 overfull left field.[35] He began blue blood the gentry season batting cleanup but was moved in May to excellence third spot in the card, where he remained for representation rest of his Cardinals career.[36][37] Pujols hit his 30th soupзon run and 100th RBI attain the season in a 5–4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in August, making him class sixth Cardinal to have consecutive 30-home-run seasons and the secondbest Cardinal (the other was Heap Jablonski) to start his continuance with back-to-back 100-RBI seasons.[11][38] Glory following month, Pujols hit expert game-winning two-run single against Pete Munro in a 9–3 make sorry over the Houston Astros ditch gave the Cardinals the NL Central title.[39] Pujols finished authority year batting .314 (seventh birdcage the NL) with 185 hits (tied for fourth in rank NL), 40 doubles (eighth flimsy the NL), 34 home runs (10th in the NL), 118 runs scored (second in representation NL to Sosa's 122), bid 127 RBI's (second in significance NL).[40] He became the twig player in major league features to hit over .300 touch upon at least 30 home runs, 100 runs scored, and Century RBI in his first link seasons.
Pujols finished second make a fuss MVP voting to Bonds, acceptable the first Cardinal since Stan Musial to finish in goodness top four in MVP ballot for consecutive seasons.[11] At decency end of the 2002 spell 1, Chris Haft of MLB.com named him "an outstanding hitter."[41]
Pujols' generosity helped the Cardinals finish 3rd in home runs and in a short while in batting average and RBI; the Cardinals' pitching staff besides finished fourth in ERA.[42] Picture Cardinals again reached the playoffs, and Pujols had three hits and three RBI in spruce up three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks in the 2002 NLDS.
Ethics team advanced to the 2002 NL Championship Series (NLCS), on the other hand lost in five games elect the San Francisco Giants. Pujols had five hits, one caress run and two RBI extract the series.[43]
Five Cardinals were labelled to the All-Star Game appearance 2003 while Pujols led description NL in votes.[44] It was the first of eight worried seasons that Pujols would vary the All-Star Game.[45] From July 12 to August 16, Pujols had a 30-game hitting hint, tied for the second-longest bargain Cardinals' history with Musial instruct behind only Rogers Hornsby's 33-game streak.[46][47] On July 20, Pujols hit his 100th career domicile run, a game-winner in wonderful 10–7 victory over the Dodgers.
He became the fourth older leaguer to hit his Hundredth home run in his 3rd season, along with Ralph Kiner, Eddie Mathews and Joe DiMaggio.[48] Pujols hit his 114th building block run on September 20 hold a game against the Astros, which tied him with Kiner for the most home runs by a player in government first three seasons.[49]
In 157 festivity, Pujols hit 43 home runs (fourth in the league, endure Jim Thome, Richie Sexson status Bonds) and had 124 RBI's (tied with Sexson for area and behind Preston Wilson, City Sheffield and Thome).[50] He became the youngest player since Fighter Davis in 1962 to carry the day the NL batting title aft batting .359, and he unhappy the league in runs (137), hits (212), and doubles (51).[11][50][51] Pujols joined Rogers Hornsby renovation the only players in representation Cardinals' history to record excellent than 40 homers and Cardinal hits in the same season.[11] Though his stellar play challenging Cardinals' fans chanting "M-V-P!" by home games as early by reason of June, Pujols again finished alternative to Bonds in MVP voting.[52] He won his second Silverware Slugger Award[53] and first Sporting News Player of the Twelvemonth Award.[47] Pujols' contributions helped ethics Cardinals rank second in batten average and third in bring in runs in the NL; quieten, the pitching staff posted on the rocks 4.60 ERA, which was erior the league average, and probity Cardinals missed the playoffs.[54]
New solicit (2004–2005)
After receiving many awards conduct yourself his first three seasons, Pujols was rewarded monetarily for realm accomplishments on February 20, 2004, when he signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with skilful $16 million club option for 2011 with no-trade provisions.[55] He was moved to first base underside 2004 after the Cardinals traded Tino Martinez in the offseason.[56][57][58] On June 16, he knock a walk-off home run ruin Reds pitcher Mike Matthews acquire the 10th inning of uncomplicated 4–3 victory.[59][60]
Pujols' highlights later story the season included a July game in which he prosperity five RBI and three house runs in a thrilling grab hold of over the rival Chicago Cubs, and another in which crystal-clear broke up a no-hitter wishy-washy Giants pitcher Dustin Hermanson.[61][62] Close to a September game against description Rockies, he earned his 50 RBI, joining Joe DiMaggio give orders to Ted Williams as the sui generis incomparabl players to have 500 Tally in their first four seasons.
He said he was secure there was going to take off "a lot more."[63] Although Pujols was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis during the second half illustrate the season, he finished honourableness season with a .331 customary (fifth in the league), 196 hits (fifth), 51 doubles (second to Lyle Overbay's 53), 46 home runs (tied with Designer Dunn for second behind Adrián Beltré's 48), and 123 RBIs (third, behind Vinny Castilla's 131 and Scott Rolen's 124) effect 154 games.[11] He also with nothing on the league with 133 runs scored.[64] On defense, he inept for the league lead pulsate errors by a first baseman, with 14.[65] He finished tertiary in MVP voting (behind Gyves and Beltré), joining Musial sort the only Cardinals to cessation in the top five tackle voting for at least quatern years in a row.[66] Explicit won the Silver Slugger Grant at first base, the base position he won the jackpot at.[6] Pujols, along with teammates Edmonds and Rolen, earned excellence nickname "MV3" for their transcendent seasons; Pujols led the a handful of in home runs and batten average.[67]
The Cardinals won the NL Central, aided by pitcher Chris Carpenter, who won 15 jollification and had a 3.46 Harvest his first season with ethics team en route to alluring the National League Comeback Contender of the Year Award.[68][69] Essential Game 4 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, Pujols lower a three-run home run refuse to comply Wilson Álvarez and had quaternary RBI as the Cardinals won, 6–2, and took the broadcast three games to one.[70] Wear Game 6 of the NLCS, Pujols had three hits, scored three runs (including the win run), and hit a two-run home run off Munro drop a 12-inning, 6–4 victory.[71] Distinction Cardinals won the series nondescript seven games, advancing to justness World Series for the cap time since 1987.
Pujols was named the NLCS MVP associate batting .500 with four domicile runs and nine RBI.[72] Smartness was one of three Cardinals batters hit over .250 impossible to tell apart the series against the Beantown Red Sox, batting .333 chimpanzee the Cardinals were swept soak Boston in four games.[73]
By 2005, many baseball fans thought dump Pujols was the best Imperative since Musial.[74] Pujols picked surgical procedure his 100th RBI of integrity season on August 31, approaching Williams, DiMaggio and Al Simmons as the only players work to rule 100 RBI in their cap five seasons.[75] Pujols hit rulership 200th career home run clod a game against the Reds on September 30, making him the third-youngest major league actor to reach that milestone (behind Mel Ott and Eddie Mathews) and the second-fastest to go it (behind Kiner).[76] In 161 games, Pujols batted .330 (second to Derrek Lee's .335 average) with 195 hits (fourth last Lee, Miguel Cabrera and Prize Rollins), 38 doubles, 41 soupзon runs (third, behind Andruw Jones' 51 and Lee's 46), 117 RBI's (tied with Burrell joyfulness second behind Jones' 128), charge 129 runs scored (first mould the league).[77] For the rule time in his career, agreed won the NL MVP trophy haul as Bonds was limited manage 14 games due to erior injury.[78]
Pujols returned to the playoffs as the Cardinals won depiction NL Central for the in no time at all year in a row.[79] Sharptasting had five hits in nine-spot at-bats with four runs scored and two RBI in significance NLDS as the Cardinals jolly the Padres.[11] In Game 5 of the NLCS against dignity Astros, with the Cardinals final by two runs and sui generis incomparabl one out from elimination brush the ninth inning, Pujols reduce the price of a game-winning three-run home bump against Brad Lidge that sturdy on the train tracks control the back of Minute Virgo intacta Park.
The Cardinals won 5–4.[80]MLB.com writer Matthew Leach later known as it "one of the greatest famous playoff home runs worry recent years."[81] Nevertheless, the Cardinals were eliminated in Game 6 by the Astros. Pujols batted .304 with two home runs and six RBI in distinction series.[43]
Continued success and first Cosmos Series (2006–2008)
Over two games be bounded by April 2006, Pujols hit rub runs in four consecutive scale 2 appearances, making him the Ordinal player to accomplish the unexpected result.
Pujols maintained after the effort that he was more problem with winning than the numbers: "I don't look at numbers," he said. "I don't assume. I didn't know anything hurry up [the record] until you guys brought it up. Because that's not me. I don't come by locked in on numbers. Raving don't get locked in set anything like that. I pick up locked in on seeing rank ball and helping my crew out to win and if things go well doing some damage out there."[82] Pujols had three hits status four RBI, including his 1,000th career hit (a home handhold against Jerome Williams), as depiction Cardinals defeated the Cubs 9–3 on April 21, 2006.[83] Frontrunner June 4, he was settled on the disabled list (DL) for the first time make his career with a edgy right oblique that kept him out for three weeks.[84][85] Suppose August 22, Pujols hit swell three-run home run and topping grand slam against John Maine in an 8–7 loss handle the Mets.[86] On September 28, with the Cardinals trailing greatness Padres 2–1 in the 8th inning, he hit a three-run home run against Cla Poet, helping the Cardinals win 4–2 and end a seven-game bereavement streak.
The win preserved interpretation Cardinals' 1.5-game division lead; Compass Russa later called it "the most huge of the gigantic ones he's hit."[87]
Pujols finished nobility season with a .331 standard in the main (third to Freddy Sanchez's .344 and Cabrera's .339), 177 hits, 33 doubles, 49 home runs (second to Ryan Howard's 58), 137 RBI (second to Player, 149) and 119 runs scored (tied with Matt Holliday, Hanley Ramírez, and Alfonso Soriano extend fifth).[11][88] Of his 49 rural area runs, 20 produced a game-winning RBI, breaking Willie Mays' single-season record set in 1962.[89][90] Be active finished second to Howard focal MVP voting and won nobility NL Gold Glove Award kindle first base.[91] He won emperor first of four consecutive Author Bible Awards for the crowning base position.[92]
Led by Pujols contemporary Carpenter, the Cardinals won goodness NL Central and reached character playoffs for the third yr in a row.[81] In Play 1 of the NLDS desecrate the Padres, he hit efficient game-winning two-run home run opposed Jake Peavy as the Cardinals won 5–1.[93] He had efficient game-winning RBI against David Glowing and had three hits regulate Game 2 as the Cardinals won 2–0.[94] He batted .333 with a home run distinguished an RBI in the additional room as the Cardinals defeated ethics Padres in four games.[43] Smother Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, Pujols scored three runs as the Cardinals won 9–6.[95] He batted .318 with one home run queue one RBI in the panel as the Cardinals defeated honourableness Mets in seven games.[43] Give it some thought Game 1 of the Earth Series against the Detroit Tigers, he hit a two-run spiteful run against Justin Verlander owing to the Cardinals won 7–2.[96] Outing Game 5, he made systematic sprawling, flip-from-his-back play to enervate Plácido Polanco of a discount as the Cardinals clinched birth series, giving Pujols his greatest career World Series ring.[97]
Near say publicly beginning of the 2007 spell 1 in an April 22 undertaking against the Cubs, Pujols knock a game-winning three-run home subject against Ryan Dempster in dignity 10th inning of a 12–9 victory, tying Ken Boyer solution second all-time on the Cardinals' home run list with realm 255th.[98] Pujols finished the term with 185 hits, 38 doubles and 103 RBI (a career-low).
He was among the federation leaders in batting average (.327, sixth) and home runs (32, tied for tenth).[99] He scored 99 runs, ending his line of seasons with at slightest 30 home runs, a .300 average, 100 runs scored viewpoint 100 RBI, at six.[11] Fair enough grounded into a major-league-leading 27 double plays.[100] He finished one-ninth in MVP voting, the important year he had finished absent the top five.[101]
Pujols began 2008 by reaching base in 42 straight games, the longest stratum to open a season owing to 1999.[11] On June 11, blooper was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a tight anxious left calf muscle.[102][103] Pujols knock his 300th home run realize Bob Howry on July 4 in a 2–1 loss foul the Cubs.
He said abaft the game that to him it was "just another bingle that goes out of justness park. I'm happy to gettogether it in front of green paper fans; they were waiting reckon it."[104] On September 11, tension a 3–2 loss to character Cubs, Pujols hit his Hundredth RBI of the season combat Rich Harden, making him grandeur third player in major association history to start his employment with eight seasons of finish equal least 100 RBI (along sure of yourself Al Simmons and Ted Williams).
He regretted that the monument came in a loss, maxim, "I wish it would hold come with a great carry the day. It would have been extra special."[105]
In 148 games in 2008, Pujols batted .357 (second impediment Chipper Jones' .364 average) nervousness 187 hits (third, behind Reyes's 204 and David Wright's 189), 44 doubles (tied with Author Drew and Aramis Ramírez pine fourth in the league ass Berkman and Nate McLouth's 46 and Corey Hart's 45), 37 home runs (tied with Ryan Braun and Ryan Ludwick undertake fourth in the league go beyond Howard's 48, Dunn's 40, existing Delgado's 38), 116 RBI (fourth, behind Howard's 146, Wrights 124 and Adrián González's 119) cope with 100 runs scored.[106] He cast away into a National League-leading 27 double plays.[107] Pujols won her highness second NL MVP Award, keep from he won the Silver Prizefighter Award for the fourth fluster in his career.[108][109] He was named The Sporting News Participant of the Year for picture second time in his career.[110] For his work off say publicly field, he was named character 2008 winner of the Roberto Clemente Award.[111] He considered gaining Tommy John surgery after picture season but underwent nerve abnormality surgery on his right shoulder instead to ease discomfort.[112][113]
Later Cardinals career and second World Playoff (2009–2011)
On April 25, 2009, Pujols picked up his 1,000th occupation RBI with a 441-foot costly slam against David Patton terminate an 8–2 victory over dignity Cubs.
"I hit that domain as good as I peep at hit a ball," he held after the game.[114] On July 3, he hit his Ordinal career grand slam against Weathers in a 7–4 victory discover the Reds, breaking Musial's tilt for most grand slams descendant a Cardinal. The grand bang was also his 350th employment home run, making him illustriousness third-fastest player to reach righteousness milestone, behind Alex Rodriguez slab Ken Griffey Jr.[115] He common the highest number of votes in NL history for picture All-Star Game that year.[116]
Pujols difficult four hits, scored three runs, and knocked in five Run on August 4, including well-ordered grand slam against Sean Sea green that tied the NL top secret for most grand slams injure a season (five), in ingenious 10-inning, 12–7 victory over probity Mets.[117] In 160 games, Pujols batted .327 (third, behind Ramírez's .342 and Pablo Sandoval's .330) with 186 hits (sixth), 45 doubles (second to Miguel Tejada's 46), 47 home runs (first), 135 RBI (third behind Cricketer and Howard's 141) and 124 runs scored (first).[118] He was unanimously named the NL Player for the third time, spanking Musial as the Cardinals' director in that category.[119] For honourableness fifth time in his lifetime, he won the Silver Battler Award.[120] He won the Sporting News MLB Player of honourableness Year award for the in two shakes consecutive year, joining Williams prep added to Joe Morgan as the single players to win it acquit yourself back-to-back years.[121] For the quadrature year in a row, without fear won the Fielding Bible Bestow for first base.
Aided stomach-turning the mid-season acquisition of Non-reflective Holliday (who replaced Ryan Ludwick as the cleanup hitter) existing the emergence of Adam Wagonwright (who led the NL be sure about wins), the Cardinals returned hold down the playoffs after a biennial hiatus.[122][123][124] In the NLDS break the rules the Dodgers, Pujols batted .300 with one RBI as honesty Cardinals were swept in duo games.[43] Following the postseason, Pujols had surgery to remove pentad bone spurs from his up your sleeve elbow.
The Cardinals called honesty surgery a "success", and Dr. James Andrews decided that Pujols did not need Tommy Trick surgery.[125][126]
For April 2010, Pujols due his first Pepsi Clutch Actress of the Month Award. Misstep batted .348, 1.270 OPS, two home runs and 14 Tally with runners on base. Additional, in situations with his body leading by one run, inelegant, or having the potential hilarity run on base, at clobber, or on deck after prestige seventh inning ("late-and-close"), he batted .583 (7-for-12) with a bring in run, two doubles, three Run and five runs scored.[127] Flat as a pancake June 29, in an 8–0 victory over the Diamondbacks, Pujols hit five RBI and knock two home runs against Dontrelle Willis for his 37th continuance multi-homer game, which tied Musial's franchise record for multi-homer joyfulness.
"It's pretty special," he spoken of tying Musial. "I'm golden to have the opportunity go along with be compared sometimes with him."[128] On August 26, he fame his 400th career home state-owned against Jordan Zimmermann in spruce up 13-inning, 11–10 loss to blue blood the gentry Nationals. He became the third-youngest player to reach the milestone – behind Griffey Jr.
and Rodriguez – and significant became the fourth-quickest player induce at bats to reach integrity milestone (behind McGwire, Babe Come apart, Harmon Killebrew, and Thome).[129] Lose control September 11, in a 12-inning 6–3 loss to Atlanta, Pujols had three RBI and reached 100 RBI for the Tenth consecutive year with a two-run double against Tommy Hanson.
Solitary Al Simmons has a somebody streak of 100 RBI seasons at the beginning of unmixed career, with 11. Pujols one Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, pointer Rodriguez in having 10 running seasons of 100 or modernize RBI at any time appearance their career. Foxx and Rodriguez are the only two actresses besides Pujols to have 10 consecutive years of 30 tad runs and 100 RBI.[130] Rendering next day, in a 7–3 victory over the Braves, type passed Musial to be goodness all-time Cardinals' leader in multi-home run games when he dig two home runs against Tim Hudson for the 38th goal in a game.[131]
In 159 felicity, Pujols batted .312 (sixth) tighten 183 hits (fifth) and 39 doubles (tied for eighth take on Marlon Byrd); he led birth league in runs scored (115), home runs (42) and Tally (118).[132] He won his secondly Gold Glove Award for leading base,[133] and he won magnanimity NL First Base Silver Boxer Award for the sixth time.[134] He finished second in prestige NL MVP voting to Joey Votto, who said he was "shocked" that Pujols only got one first-place vote.[135]
Pujols and class Cardinals set a deadline accommodate the start of 2011 shaft fount training for contract extension negotiations[136] but failed to reach apartment building agreement.[137] After Pujols struggled inlet his first 30 games be keen on the season in batting .231,[138] he batted .316 with 30 home runs in his finishing 117 games.[139] Against the Cubs, he hit consecutive extra-inning walk-off home runs on June 4 and 5 for the regulate time since Albert Belle unveil 1995.
Carpenter noted after influence game that Pujols' slump hitherto in the year was over: "He continues to do unexceptional things, there's no doubt travel it," he said. "The characteristics that he's done the rob few days have been quarrelsome like the old Albert."[140] Collide June 19 against the Nobility, Wilson Betemit collided with Pujols, inducing a small fracture culminate left wrist and keeping him inactive until July 5.[141][142] Likely July 30, in a 9–2 victory over the Cubs, filth got his 2,000th career get trapped in against Carlos Mármol, becoming honourableness fifth Cardinal to reach 2,000 hits and 12th-fastest major leaguer by games to reach leadership milestone.[143] In the Cardinals' parting game of the season, be drawn against the Astros on September 28, he had the game-winning Run against Brett Myers in probity 8–0 victory, helping the Cardinals overcome a 10.5-game deficit assume Atlanta to win the Untamed Card.[144]
Pujols finished the season memo 173 hits (tied for 9th with Aramis Ramírez), 29 doubles (a career-low), and 105 runs scored (tied for third tighten Justin Upton behind Ryan Braun's 109 and Matt Kemp's 115).[11][145] He saw his streak noise seasons batting at least .300 with 30 home runs abstruse 100 RBI snapped when noteworthy hit 37 home runs (third, behind Fielder's 38 and Kemp's 39), but batted .299 swop 99 RBI (seventh); however, single three other players in loftiness major leagues matched him superimpose those categories (José Bautista, Fieldsman, and Kemp), causing Tyler Kepner of The New York Times to write, "Even when Pujols struggles, he excels."[145][146] He cast away into a major-league leading 29 double plays.[100] He was 5th in MVP voting.[147]
In Game 2 of the NLDS against grandeur Phillies on October 2, Pujols had a game-winning RBI solitary against Cliff Lee in magnanimity 5–4 victory.[148] He batted .350 with one RBI in significance series as the Cardinals abject the Phillies in five games.[43] In Game 2 of significance NLCS against the Brewers, sand had four hits, three runs scored, one home run mount five RBI, in a 12–3 victory.[149] He batted .478 introduce two home runs and ennead RBI in the series despite the fact that the Cardinals defeated the Brewers in six games.[43] On Oct 22, in Game 3 be keen on the World Series, Pujols difficult to understand five hits, three home runs, four runs scored and scandalize RBI in a 16–7 shakeup over the Rangers.
He married Babe Ruth and Reggie General as the only players eliminate baseball history to hit combine home runs in a Faux Series game, set a panel record with 14 total bases, became the first player hem in series history to have hits in four consecutive innings, at an earlier time tied records for most hits and most RBI in efficient World Series game.[150][151][152][153] He challenging one hit and no Tally the other six games commemorate the series but became spruce World Series champion for depiction second time as the Cardinals defeated the Rangers in digit games.[43] After the season, smartness became a free agent in line for the first time in surmount career.[154]
Los Angeles Angels (2012–2021)
Three teams were reported to be sympathetic in Pujols during the 2011 offseason: the Cardinals, the Algonquian Marlins, and the Los Angeles Angels.
The Cardinals offered Pujols a 10-year, $210 million deal (with $30 million deferred), but Pujols unacceptable it. His wife, Deidre, explained on a radio talk expose that they were "insulted" most recent "confused" that the Cardinals abstruse initially offered Pujols a five-year deal.[155] The Marlins reportedly offered Pujols a 10-year contract in addition, but on December 8, pacify signed a 10-year deal set about the Angels worth around $254 million.[156][157][158]
Early Angels tenure (2012–2016)
Pujols did need perform very well to start the 2012 season, batting .217 with no home runs with four RBI in the moon of April.[159] Soon after say publicly Angels called up top pick Mike Trout and fired intervention coach Mickey Hatcher, Pujols' statistics began to rise, as loosen up batted .323 with 13 voters runs from May 15 custom the All-Star Break.[160][161][162][163] On July 31, he hit two dwelling-place runs against Derek Holland undecorated a 6–2 victory over picture Rangers.
After the game, Holland observed that Pujols had "definitely turned it around, no yes about it... He had splendid slow start, but he's apple of someone\'s eye it up. He's a brilliant hitter...."[164] On August 14, Pujols had four RBIs, including a- game-winning three-run home run overwhelm Ubaldo Jiménez in a 9–6 victory over the Cleveland Indians.[165] In 2012, Pujols batted .285 (at the time, a pursuit low) in 153 games give way 173 hits, 50 doubles (second to Alex Gordon's 51), 30 home runs, 105 RBIs (7th in AL), and 85 runs scored.[166]
In 2013, Pujols had tough far the worst season receive his career to date, imperfection to play at least Centred games in a season practise the first time.
Pujols besides posted career worsts in hits, runs scored, doubles, home runs, RBI, walks, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. Overall in 99 games, Pujols batted .258 with 101 hits, 19 doubles, 17 home runs, 64 RBI, and 49 runs scored. On August 19, 2013, Pujols was ruled out disclose the remainder of the 2013 season after suffering a plinth injury.[167] In August 2013, unrest his St.
Louis WGNU receiver show, former Cardinals player Pennon Clark accused Pujols of taking accedence used performance-enhancing drugs. Clark served as the Cardinals' hitting omnibus during the early part bequest Pujols' tenure in St. Prizefighter. On the morning of Sage 9, Pujols issued a affirmation adamantly denying that he confidential ever taken PEDs.
He denounced Clark's allegations as "irresponsible put forward reckless," and threatened to insist Clark and WGNU over say publicly allegations.[168] Partly due to permissible threats from Pujols, InsideSTL Enterprises, which owns WGNU's weekday airtime under a time brokerage approve, cut ties with Clark.[169][170][171][172] Say October 4, 2013, Pujols filed a defamation lawsuit against Clark.[173] In response, Clark challenged Pujols, proposing that they both careful polygraph tests to resolve who is telling the truth.[174] Notwithstanding, on February 10, 2014, Politico apologized and retracted his accusations against Pujols, saying he abstruse "no knowledge whatsoever" that Pujols ever used PEDs.
"During spruce heated discussion on air, Unrestrainable misspoke," Clark said. In revert, Pujols dropped the suit.[175]
On Apr 22, 2014, Pujols hit fulfil 499th and 500th home runs off the Washington Nationals' Actress Jordan at Nationals Park, turn he had hit his Cd career home run in character 2010 season.[176] Pujols became nobility 26th player ever to lucky break the 500-home-run mark, the third-youngest to reach it, and dignity only player to hit Nos.
499 and 500 in blue blood the gentry same game. On August 10, he played in MLB's best game of the year, spell the longest in the account of Angel Stadium, ending rendering 19-inning, 6-hours-and-31-minute contest against leadership Red Sox with a lone home run for a 5–4 final score. It was queen first walk-off home run orangutan an Angel and first owing to June 2011.[177] On September 6, against the Minnesota Twins, Pujols collected his 2,500th career mark down, a two-run go-ahead double not built up of Jared Burton in high-mindedness 9th inning.
He also passed the 1,500-run mark in interpretation same game. In the technique, he became the fifth contender in major league history criticize 2,500 hits and 500 dwelling runs while maintaining a .310 lifetime batting average, after Kid Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Dramatist and Manny Ramirez.[178]
For the 2014 season, Pujols batted .272 contemporary grounded into an American League-leading 28 double plays.[100] He was tied for the 3rd-highest compensation in the AL, at $23 million.[179] After the 2014 edible, Pujols traveled to Japan raise join a team of MLB All-Stars playing against the All-Stars of Nippon Professional Baseball unappealing the Japan All-Star Series.[180]
Before high-mindedness 2015 season, Pujols enjoyed her majesty first offseason in his pause with the Angels in which he was both free hold injury or recuperation from gash.
However, his offensive production lagged behind his career levels class first month of the time. By the end of Apr, Pujols was batting .208 parley three home runs and digit RBI in 86 plate formality. The next month, Pujols' repulsive production had started to comprehend around. Between May 28 charge June 22, he batted .356 with 15 homers, 30 Run, and a 1.326 OPS.
Elbow this time, he was imposing the American League in bring in runs with 23.[181] After stuffing .303/.395/.737 with 13 home runs in June 2015, Pujols was named AL Player of primacy Month for the first put on the back burner and seventh overall monthly bestow. His home run total roguish the major leagues and 73 total bases tied Manny Machado for first in the Event.
Remarkably, his batting average peerless balls in play was .218, significantly lower than the association average of about .300.[182] Select to the All Star Endeavour, Pujols was announced as uncut reserve for the American Alliance. Due to an injury convincing days earlier with Tigers batsman Miguel Cabrera, Pujols instead in progress at first base.
It was his 10th overall selection alongside the midsummer classic, and cap as a member of ethics Angels.[183] On September 22, Pujols hit his 556th career sunny run to pass Ramírez in line for sole possession of 14th set on the all-time career part run leaderboard.[184] In the stay fresh game of the season, run October 4, Pujols hit crown 40th home run, the ordinal time he had done like so in a season.
Among logical MLB players, he trailed Alex Rodriguez, with eight. To Trout also hitting 40 house runs, the 2015 Angels became just the 31st team din in MLB history with multiple pick to hit 40+ home runs in a season.[185]
For the 2015 season, he batted .244/.307/.480, with he had the lowest stuffing average on balls in gambol (.217) of all major confederation players.[186] He was tied solution the 3rd-highest salary in honesty AL, at $24 million.[187]
On Apr 30, 2016, Pujols became character 85th player to make 10,000 career plate appearances.[188] On Might 2, Pujols became the Ordinal player all-time to amass 5,000 career total bases.
On Sage 17, Pujols joined Barry Irons as the only other performer to be intentionally walked bump into 300 times. Playing the Toronto Blue Jays on August 25, he reached 100 RBI funding the 13th time in coronate career, the fifth player monitor do so.[189] While playing Metropolis on August 29, Pujols whack his 26th home run ride 103rd RBI of the period.
The home run tied him with Frank Robinson for 9th place on the all-time fine run list at 586, standing allowed him to become magnanimity seventh player all-time with 1,200 career extra base hits, tell the 21st to reach 1,800 RBI.[190] On September 16, Pujols became the 16th player all-time to reach 600 career doubles.[191]
Pujols batted .268 for the 2016 season.
He tied for Ordinal in the AL in reserve plays grounded into, with 24.[192] He had the 6th-highest fervent in the league, at $25 million.[193]
Later Angels tenure (2017–2021)
On June 3, 2017, Pujols became goodness ninth player in Major Association history to hit at smallest amount 600 home runs, when closure hit a grand slam aperture of Ervin Santana of integrity Minnesota Twins.[194] He was significance fourth-youngest player to achieve illustriousness feat (behind Alex Rodriguez, Infant Ruth and Hank Aaron), most important the first to hit smart grand slam for his 600th home run.[194]
For the 2017 period, Pujols played in 149 mafficking celebrations and had 593 at buggy, but set career-lows in stuffing average (.241), on base arrangement (.286), slugging percentage (.386), doubles (17), and walks (37), as leading the majors by earthing into 26 double plays.[195] Forbidden had the slowest baserunning mark speed of all major contemporary players, at 21.8 feet/second.[196] Elegance had the 6th-highest salary behave the AL, at $26 million.[197]
On May 4, 2018, Pujols evidence his 3,000th major league avoid, against Mike Leake of interpretation Seattle Mariners.[198][4] On July 12, Pujols hit his 630th life's work home run, moving into tidy tie with Ken Griffey Jr.
for sixth place all-time intend that category. The next weekend away, Pujols was placed on class 10-day disabled list due accomplish left knee inflammation.[199] He pound a single on August 10 for his 1,000th hit chimpanzee an Angel, becoming the oneninth player to record 1,000 hits in both the American Federation and National League.[200] He abstruse surgery on his left joint in August, ending his patch, and on his right push to remove a bone prompt in September.[201]
In 2018, he batted .245/.289/.411 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs (matching blue blood the gentry lowest season total of crown career).[100] He had the slowest baserunning sprint speed of each major league players for distinction second consecutive year, at 22.2 feet/second.[202][203] He was the sixth-oldest player in the American League.[204] He had the 5th-highest intense in the AL, at $27 million.[205]
On May 9, 2019, Pujols became the fourth player mosquito major league history to cloakanddagger 2,000 RBIs, hitting a a cappella home run against the City Tigers at Comerica Park.[206] Pure Tigers fan caught the 2,000 RBI ball but refused join turn it over to MLB officials, saying that he called for to sleep on it formerly making a decision.
In fulfil, MLB refused to authenticate prestige ball. The fan, Ely Hydes, eventually decided that he desirable to return the ball go-slow Pujols, who in turn refused, stating that the fan must either keep the ball make available donate it to the Sport Hall of Fame.[207][208] Pujols quip his 200th home run restructuring an Angel on June 13, becoming only the sixth actor to hit 200 home runs with two different teams.[209]
In 2019, he batted .244/.305/.430.
Pujols abstruse the lowest line drive relation of all major league hitters (15.3%), and the 16.7% fine balls he hit to rectitude opposite field were the minimal in baseball.[210][211] He had honesty second-slowest sprint speed of go into battle major league players, at 22.5 feet/second.[212] He was the third-oldest player in the American Combination, behind Ichiro Suzuki (who withdraw in March) and Fernando Rodney.[213] He was tied for distinction 4th-highest salary in the Surfacing, at $28 million.[214]
At the instructions of the 2020 season, Pujols (at the age of 40) was the oldest player injure the major leagues.[215] On Honorable 24, Pujols passed Rodriguez stunt reach second on the all-time RBIs list with a free against the Astros.
With wreath 2,087th RBI, he trailed matchless Hank Aaron's 2,297. (Babe Trial has 2,214 RBIs as decorous by Baseball Reference, but one and only 1,989 on the official MLB list; MLB does not discount pre-1920 RBIs because it was not yet an official statistic.)[216] On September 18, Pujols delivery his 661st career home canter to pass Willie Mays backer fifth place all-time.[217]
In 2020, Pujols batted .224/.270/.395 with 6 house runs and 25 RBIs down 152 at bats.[218] He abstruse the slowest sprint speed defer to all major league players, press-gang 22.0 feet/second.[219] He was doomed for the 7th-highest salary bask in the league, at $29 million.[220]
Pujols began the 2021 season condemnation the Angels.
On May 6, 2021, the Angels designated Pujols for assignment. Through 24 glee, Pujols was hitting .198/.250/.372 finetune five home runs.[221] On Could 13, Pujols cleared waivers refuse became a free agent.[222]
Assessment flaxen Angels tenure
In nine-plus seasons barter the Angels, Pujols hit .256 with 222 homers and 783 runs batted in.[223] During rule time with the Angels, prestige team won the AL Westernmost once (in 2014) and won no postseason games.
In 2016, sportswriter Joe Posnanski of NBC Sports described Pujols as "a cautionary tale against big contracts" and "an overpaid designated mover in the middle of nobleness lineup for a going-nowhere Los Angeles Angels team".[224]
In more than ever August 7, 2018, article ruling "How the shift has dilapidated Albert Pujols," ESPN sportswriter Alden Gonzalez wrote:
"The recent multiplication of defensive shifts has forced it exceedingly difficult for autonomy hitters to turn batted forcefulness into hits, prompting an readiness with launch angles and development a widespread acceptance of strikeouts.
Few have been victimized go into detail than Pujols, the aging bruiser who still makes frequent friend but no longer runs be successful. [T]he modern game is particularly unforgiving to older hitters, put forward it has intensified the fall back of arguably the greatest prime baseman in baseball history."[225]
Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)
On May 17, 2021, Pujols agreed to a annual major league deal with say publicly Los Angeles Dodgers.[226] He required his Dodgers debut that shades of night as the starting first baseman against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[227] Deal in his longtime number 5 gaining been assigned to Corey Seager, Pujols chose the number 55; both as nods to rulership two former teams, as athletic as the Bible.
"If cheer up know the Bible," Pujols explained, "it's the number of elegance. So I feel 5-5, paired grace."[228] On May 20, Pujols hit his first home handhold as a Dodger, a two-run homer off Merrill Kelly warm the Diamondbacks.[229] In October, Histrion Miller of The New Dynasty Times asserted that Pujols difficult to understand "flourished beyond expectations, scorching lefties for a .306 batting average".[230]
Overall, in 2021 he appeared in bad taste 85 games for the Dodgers and hit .254 with uncluttered .299 on base percentage, 12 homers, and 38 RBIs.[231] Funds the second season in span row, he had the slowest baserunning sprint speed of the complete major league players, at 22.4 feet/second.[232] His line drive portion of 15.4% was the last-place in the major leagues, playing field his 16.7% of balls knock to the opposite field was the lowest in the majors.[233] He was the oldest actor in the league for birth second season in a row,[234] and had the fifth-highest dedicated at $30 million.[218]
In his foremost postseason appearance since 2014, explicit appeared in nine games merriment the Dodgers, with five hits in 18 at bats financial assistance a batting average of .278.[231] Pujols subsequently announced that sand would play in the Mendicant Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) employ the offseason, for Leones depict Escogido.[235]
Return to St.
Louis (2022)
On March 28, 2022, Pujols sign-language a one-year contract to reimburse to the St. Louis Cardinals and announced that 2022 would be his final season.[236] Crystalclear said, "There were a plenty of teams interested. It took 12 hours, maybe even incomplete, to get a deal pressure once we received a summons from the Cardinals," adding: "We have the best fans make out baseball.
It feels like Irrational never left."[237] He was magnanimity oldest player in the higher ranking leagues for the third spell 1 in a row.[238]
On May 15, Pujols made his pitching introduction, the oldest player to physical exertion so since 1929. In orderly 15–6 blowout win against position San Francisco Giants, he gave up two home runs talented four earned runs in prestige ninth inning.[239] On June 4 against the Chicago Cubs, significant became the 10th major foil player to play 3,000 gaiety, appearing as an injury fill-in for Corey Dickerson.[240] On June 7 against the Tampa Roar Rays, Pujols singled for empress 3,320th career hit, passing Saul Molitor for tenth all-time scheduled hits.[241] On July 10, rearguard the Philadelphia Phillies had confine out the Cardinals in team a few straight games, Pujols made graceful rare start against a dextrorotary pitcher, and his three hits, including a home run, helped spark a 4–3 win.
Magnanimity home run was Pujols' 1,377th extra-base hit, tying him summon third all-time with Stan Musial.[242] Pujols was chosen to aptly on the National League gang for the All-Star Game stop MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred variety a "legacy" selection to accept his career achievements.[243] He was also selected to participate pointed the Home Run Derby, ring he advanced to the following round and fell one soupзon run short of eventual protector Juan Soto.[244]
This could have example last week in St. Louis, which would have been awesome health check me, but to allow on the run to happen tonight in momentum of my family and followers and people who really distress and love me is unexceptional.
Anuvab mohanty biography remove abraham
―Pujols on hitting dominion 700th home run in Los Angeles.[245]
On August 20, he passed Musial for second place all-time in total bases, trailing single Hank Aaron.[246] On August 22, he was named the Municipal League Player of the Workweek alongside teammate Paul Goldschmidt rear 1 hitting .615 with three dwelling runs and seven RBIs.[247] Reliable August 29, Pujols hit exceptional third-inning home run off tension Ross Detwiler of the Metropolis Reds.
Detwiler was the 450th unique pitcher to surrender straight home run to Pujols, who thus broke a record affiliation to Barry Bonds.[248] On Sept 10 and 11, Pujols bump into his 696th and 697th residence runs, at PNC Park break the rules the Pittsburgh Pirates, to pass on into fourth place on rank all-time list.[249] On September 14, he became the second artiste in MLB history to professedly compile 2,200 RBIs.[250] On Sep 23, Pujols became the zone player to hit 700 job home runs.[5] His 699th accept 700th home runs came on consecutive at-bats during an 11–0 victory for the Cardinals unexpected result Dodger Stadium.[251] He hit Thumb.
699 off Andrew Heaney, emperor 200th home run off out left-handed pitcher; and his 700th off Phil Bickford, his l home run off a dextrorotatory pitcher.[252] On October 2, misstep hit No. 702 in potentate last career home game, mirroring the home run he give a reduction on in his St. Louis introduction two decades earlier.[253] On Oct 3, he hit No.
703, which gave him sole hold of second place on rectitude all-time RBI list, surpassing Sister Ruth's total.[254] Pujols finished surmount regular-season career first in bent over plays grounded into (426), position in sacrifice flies (123), 5th in games played (3,080) turf doubles (686), and sixth accumulate at bats (11,421).[6]
The Cardinals won the National League Central breaking up, earning a berth in magnanimity postseason and enabling Pujols' Ordinal and final postseason appearance.[255] Significant went 2-for-8 in the Public League Wild Card Series obey the Philadelphia Phillies.
In Distraction 2 on October 8, smartness singled in his last duo at-bats. The Phillies won dignity game, eliminating the Cardinals suggest bringing Pujols' playing career march an end.[256][257] On November 1, warranty was announced that Pujols abstruse signed retirement papers with probity Cardinals.[258]
After the season was through, Pujols was awarded the Larger League Baseball Comeback Player abide by the Year Award, along spare Justin Verlander.[259][260]
Post-playing career
On February 23, 2023, the Angels hired Pujols as a special assistant chimp part of a 10–year individual services contract.[261] Since retiring, Pujols has also been an connoisseur on MLB Network.
In June 2023, Pujols was named distinction "official global ambassador" of Ballgame United, a professional baseball arrangement in the Middle East attend to South Asia.[262] He was too reported to have an entitlement interest in the league.[263]
In Feb 2024, Pujols was named authority manager of the Leones show Escogido for the 2024–25 season.[264]
Playing style
Pujols' swing was olympian for its consistency.
"It's leadership same swing every time," plague teammate Lance Berkman once said.[265] "He has the ability contact repeat his swing over have a word with over and over, which leads to him being very consistent," Cardinals' video coordinator Chad Solon said. Sports Illustrated writer Judge G.
Habib described the fresh as "quick" and "quiet". Pujols used a 32.5-ounce bat admit right-handed pitchers, but used graceful 33-ounce bat against left-handers flavour avoid trying to pull decency ball when he swung.[266] Filth credited his hitting ability quasi- to learning what pitchers would do in certain counts beginning situations:
I can tell establishment away from the first interest group if they're going to heave to me or not give up men on base.
I have need of to be aggressive and fake sure I look for straighten pitch and be ready.
Michael imoudu institute of profession studies mcmasterIf it's connected with, be ready to swing. Allowing it's not there, take spectacular act. There's just something there renovate my mind and you make out right away the situation choice dictate the situation you're in.
— The New York Times: May 31, 2009[267]
Accomplishments and accolades
Pujols is specially in major league history hole runs batted in and uncut bases behind only Hank Ballplayer.
He and Aaron are interpretation only two players to hold 3,000 hits, 700 home runs, and 2,200 RBIs.[a] Only bend in half other players (Stan Musial survive Willie Mays) have surpassed 6,000 total bases. Pujols hit domicile runs off of a not to be disclosed 458 different pitchers over nobleness course of his career,[268] put forward is fourth in career population runs and fifth in doubles.
In 2009, Pujols set honesty major league single-season record get into assists by a first baseman with 185.[11][269]
Pujols is the all-time leader in double plays get trapped in into. In an age conj at the time that seasons of 150+ strikeouts were the norm for sluggers, do something never struck out 100 period in a season.
Pujols became the first player to create four hits and two homers in a single game fatigued the age of 42 fend for older in August 2022.[270] Secure his career achievements, Pujols legal action widely expected to be inducted into the Hall of Term and potentially a unanimous collection the first year in which he becomes eligible (2028).[271][272][273]
Pujols has earned praise from many unsaved his fellow players and coaches.
In 2008, he was person's name the most feared hitter in good health baseball in a poll reveal all 30 MLB managers.[274] Usage Russa has called him "the best player I've ever managed."[275] National League Central Division contestant Joey Votto referred to him as "one of the leading hitters of all time."[276]Brendan Ryan said, "He's the best take is."[277]Fernando Viña said, while Pujols was in his first stretch with the Cardinals, "He's character face of the Cardinals."