Late Sunday evening, it was widely reported that 42-year-old free agent and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Albert Pujols was returning to the St. Louis Cardinals, the team with whom he spent 11 seasons before spending the next 10 with the Angels of Anaheim and the 2021 season with the Dodgers. The deal is reportedly for one year at $2.5 million.

Although there was no mention that the extremely popular Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native and 13th-round draft pick in 1999 by the Cardinals out of Metropolitan Community College – Maple Woods in Kansas City, MO will retire after the 2022 season, his 22nd, many believe that he will, and that the signing was more of professional courtesy by St Louis Cardinals owner William O. DeWitt Jr. out of well-deserved respect.

There is little doubt that bringing the Designated Hitter rule to the National League beginning in 2022 played a major role in De Witt’s decision to bring Pujols back to the team with whom he won his first of two World Series rings in 2006. (He also won one in 2011 while a member of the Angels). As such, many believe/speculate that this will be his primary role with the Cardinals. Many also believe/speculate that the popular first baseman, third baseman, outfielder, and now (presumably) DH will enter the sacred Halls of Cooperstown in a Cardinals uniform, for which no one will criticize him. Nine of his 10 All-Star appearances and all three of his NL MVPs occurred while with St. Louis.

In his one season with the Dodgers in 2021, Pujols slashed .254/.299/.460/.759, with 12 home runs and 38 RBI. (He even stole a base for good measure). But without question, it was his relationship with his Dodgers teammates – especially the younger ones – that was his greatest contribution to the team and something that you simply cannot put a value on. He was also a huge favorite among Dodgers fans, with his number 55 jersey (number 5 was taken by now-former Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager) being one of the biggest sellers at Dodgers team stores and online.

“It’s unbelievable how much fun he has and how much he still enjoys the game,” Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner said of his former teammate. “And you can see it when a guy hits a homer, and he’s standing at the end of the dugout with that huge smile waiting to give you the biggest bear hug and readjust your back with how hard he squeezes you with that hug.”

In the simplest of terms, if someone you know says they are not a fan of Albert Pujols, you may want to change who you hang out with.

Godspeed to you, Tio Albert!

Play Ball!

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