Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals entered into Friday’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with the legendary slugger at 698 homeruns. The night was monumental for one main reason, it was a chance fpr the future Hall of Famer to reach the milestone of 700 homeruns only achieved by three others in MLB history. With that at mind, Pujols took the plate in the third inning and belted number 699. The mood was exuberant as the entire Dodger Stadium stood in participation of the amazing feat. What were the chances? Couldn’t, would history be made on the first day of fall?
To put the feat of 700 homeruns in perspective, only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth are in the exclusive club. In Pujols next chance to bat in the fourth inning, every camera, phone and spectator drew to attendance as Albert connected and slammed number 700 into the stands. Wow, just to think Pujols was struggling with the decision to even play the 2022 season before training camp.
At the All-Star break, Pujols had just six homeruns. Many in the media were unsure if Albert had it in him to reach Alex Rodriguez mark of 696, yet alone reach 700. Pujols is 10th in hits, third in RBI’s, 12 in runs, second in total bases, and fifth in doubles.
The Moment
In the fourth inning on a 1-1 count, Albert Pujols tightened his grip on his bat in participation from the third pitch from Dodgers pitcher Phil Bickford. Phil Bickford had only given up 10 homeruns all season. As the pitch neared the plate, Pujols dug down and with a golf-like swing, made connection, placing the pitch over the wall in left field. Congratulations Albert Pujols on a memory that will last a lifetime. The Cardinals won 11-0.
