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We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert.
We’re so sorry if we caused you any pain.
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert.
But there’s no one left at home
And I believe I’m gonna rain.

Paul McCartney and Wings – 1971

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It may not have been at the top of Dodgers fans’ lists but it was definitely on there – wanting the St. Louis Cardinals to beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 National League Wild Card Series if, for no other reason, it would mean that they would get one last look at very beloved former Dodger – albeit briefly – Albert Pujols at Dodger Stadium before his pre-announced retirement from Major League Baseball at the conclusion of the 2022 season after 22 brilliant seasons, which included 85 games with the Dodgers in 2021.

Unfortunately for Pujols wanting – and waiting – Dodgers fans, the Cardinals were eliminated from postseason play after a second consecutive Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon.

The (now) 42-year-old Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native and 13th-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1999 out of Metropolitan Community College Maple Woods in Kansas City, MO slashed a respectable .254/.299/.460/.759 in his 307 at-bats (351 plate appearances) with the Dodgers. He hit 12 home runs, a good many of which traveled very far. He also hit three doubles and drove in 38 runs while in Dodger Blue.

But what doesn’t appear on Pujols’ stat page is what he brought to – and meant to – his Dodgers teammates. In a word, Tio Albert (as he was affectionately called) was loved by everyone.

“I think Albert probably cheers for his teammates more than anybody,” Dodgers utility infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor said after receiving an enormous bear hug from the 6′-3″/235-pound gentle giant during a game in 2021. “It seems like he’s so happy – like genuinely happy – for everyone. He’s more happy for you than you are for yourself. So, knowing that, and coming in and seeing him waiting for you to give you a big bear hug, is a pretty cool feeling.”

“He’s great, he just takes a professional at-bat, he’s ready when called upon and doing whatever he can to help the ball club,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Pujols after a game in which Pujols came off the bench to pinch-hit and singled. “And when he’s not in there, he’s cheering his teammates on, mentoring guys, watching the baseball game, so just so great to have him around.”

We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert. We’re so sorry… that we won’t get to see you one more time before your very well deserved retirement.

Enjoy Cooperstown, Uncle Albert!

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