:Albert Pujols

{{short description|Dominican-American baseball player (born 1980)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Albert Pujols

|image = Albert Pujols on May 19, 2008.jpg

|image_size = 240

|alt = Pujols holding up a bat after a swing

|caption = Pujols with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008

|position = First baseman / Designated hitter

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|1|16}}

|birth_place = Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = April 2

|debutyear = 2001

|debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals

|finalleague = MLB

|statyear =

|finaldate = October 4

|finalyear = 2022

|finalteam = St. Louis Cardinals

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .296

|stat2label = Hits

|stat2value = 3,384

|stat3label = Home runs

|stat3value = 703

|stat4label = Runs batted in

|stat4value = 2,218

|teams =

St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2001}}–{{mlby|2011}})
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2021}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2021}})
St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2022}})

|awards =

11× All-Star (2001, 2003–2010, 2015, 2022)
2× World Series champion ({{wsy|2006}}, {{wsy|2011}})
3× NL MVP (2005, 2008, 2009)
NL Rookie of the Year (2001)
NLCS MVP ({{nlcsy|2004}})
2× Gold Glove Award (2006, 2010)
6× Silver Slugger Award (2001, 2003, 2004, 2008–2010)
2× NL Hank Aaron Award (2003, 2009)
NL Comeback Player of the Year (2022)
Roberto Clemente Award (2008)
NL batting champion (2003)
2× NL home run leader (2009, 2010)
NL RBI leader (2010)

}}

José Alberto Pujols Alcántara ({{IPA|es|puˈxols}}, {{IPA|ca|puˈʒɔls}}; born January 16, 1980) is a Dominican professional baseball manager and former first baseman and designated hitter who is the manager of the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Nicknamed "the Machine" (Spanish: La Máquina), Pujols is considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Pujols is a highly regarded hitter who has long shown a "combination of contact hitting ability, patience and raw power."{{cite web|url = https://www.mlb.com/news/matthew-leach-miguel-cabreras-reign-as-top-hitter-is-world-class-but-so-was-albert-pujols/c-48550398|title = Miggy's brilliance illuminates Pujols' remarkable peak|date = May 27, 2014|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = MLB.com|last = Leach|first = Matthew|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141202082616/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/48550398/matthew-leach-miguel-cabreras-reign-as-top-hitter-is-world-class-but-so-was-albert-pujols|archive-date = December 2, 2014|url-status = live}}{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=August 27, 2010 |title=Is Albert Pujols the greatest right-handed hitter of all time? |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/27/is-albert-pujols-the-greatest-right-handed-hitter-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609210716/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/27/is-albert-pujols-the-greatest-right-handed-hitter-of-all-time/ |archive-date=June 9, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2014 |website=Hardball Talk}}{{cite web|url = https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/baseball-is-finally-remembering-how-good-albert-pujols-can-be/|title = Baseball Is Finally Remembering How Good Albert Pujols Can Be|date = April 27, 2014|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = FiveThirtyEight|last = Paine|first = Neil|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129073051/http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/baseball-is-finally-remembering-how-good-albert-pujols-can-be/|archive-date = November 29, 2014|url-status = live}} He was the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) in {{mlby|2005}}, {{mlby|2008}}, and {{mlby|2009}} and is an 11-time All-Star (2001, 2003–2010, 2015, 2022). He is a six-time Silver Slugger who has twice led the NL in home runs, and he has also led the NL once each in batting average, doubles, and runs batted in (RBIs). In 2018, Pujols collected his 3,000th career hit, becoming the 32nd MLB player to reach that milestone.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/albert-pujols-32nd-member-of-3000-hit-club-angels-mariners/ |title=Albert Pujols becomes 32nd member of 3,000-hit club with hit against Mariners |author=CBS/AP |work=CBS News |date=May 5, 2018 |access-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505130941/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/albert-pujols-32nd-member-of-3000-hit-club-angels-mariners/ |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |url-status=live }} During the 2022 season, Pujols returned to the Cardinals and moved into second place all-time for career RBIs and total bases and became the fourth player with 700 career home runs.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Tim |date=2022-09-24 |title=Albert Pujols Hits His 700th Career Home Run |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/albert-pujols-700-career-home-runs-11663684759 |access-date=2022-09-24 |issn=0099-9660}} At the end of the season, he was also the major league career leader in double plays grounded into (426), 3rd in sacrifice flies (123), 5th in games played (3,080) and doubles (686), and 6th in at bats (11,421).{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|title=Albert Pujols Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He won two Gold Glove awards at first base in his career.

Early life

Pujols was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, mostly by his grandmother, America Pujols, and 10 of his uncles and aunts. He is an only child. His father, Bienvenido Pujols, was a softball pitcher who struggled with alcoholism. Pujols often had to take his father home when his father got drunk following games. Growing up, Pujols practiced baseball using limes for balls and a milk carton for a glove.{{cite web |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2009/03/16/105787315/the-power-to-believe |title=The Power To Believe |work=si.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=June 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630144422/http://www.si.com/vault/2009/03/16/105787315/the-power-to-believe |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |url-status=live }} Pujols, his father, and his grandmother immigrated in 1996 to Washington Heights in New York City, where Pujols witnessed a shooting at a bodega.{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2012/03/26/106174105/alberts-second-act |title=Albert's Second Act |newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault | Si.com |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803200241/https://www.si.com/vault/2012/03/26/106174105/alberts-second-act |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |url-status=live }} Partly because of the shooting, they moved two months later to Independence, Missouri, to join some relatives.Rains, 11{{cite web |last=Saxon |first=Mark |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/angels/post/_/id/5259/albert-pujols-on-his-new-york-roots |title=Albert Pujols on his New York roots |publisher=ESPN |date=April 13, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419222630/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/angels/post/_/id/5259/albert-pujols-on-his-new-york-roots |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Pujols played baseball at Fort Osage High School in Independence and was named an All-State athlete twice.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=405395 |title=Albert Pujols Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights |work=MLB.com |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930064152/http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=405395 |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=live }} As a senior, he was walked 55 times intentionally, but he still hit eight home runs in 33 at-bats. One of his home runs travelled {{convert|450|ft}}.

College career

After graduating from high school a semester early in December 1998, he was given a baseball scholarship to Maple Woods Community College. Pujols hit a grand slam and turned an unassisted triple play in the first game of his only college season.{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/10/11/one_that_got_away/|title=One that got away|first=Gordon|last=Edes|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=September 1, 2008|date=October 11, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106000922/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/10/11/one_that_got_away/|archive-date=January 6, 2009|url-status=live}} Playing shortstop, he batted .461 with 22 home runs as a freshman before deciding to enter the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

Professional career

=Draft and minor leagues=

Few teams were interested in Pujols because of uncertainty about his age, which position he would play, and his build. Tampa Bay Rays scout Fernando Arango recommended that his team sign Pujols, and quit his job when Tampa Bay failed to do so.[https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6189583 'The Extra 2%': Whiffing on Albert Pujols], Jonah Keri, ESPN.com Pujols was not drafted until the 13th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him with the 402nd overall pick.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1999&draft_round=13&draft_type=junreg 13th Round of the 1999 MLB Amateur Draft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502212730/https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1999&draft_round=13&draft_type=junreg |date=May 2, 2018 }}, Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 14, 2010. Pujols initially turned down a $10,000 bonus and spent the summer playing for the Hays Larks of the Jayhawk Collegiate League (a summer league in the National Baseball Congress).{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-feb-11-la-sp-0212-albert-pujols-20120212-story.html|title=Albert Pujols as a man among boys|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Mike|last=DiGiovanna|date=February 11, 2012|access-date=January 16, 2023}} When the Cardinals increased their bonus offer to $60,000, he signed.

Pujols began his minor league career in 2000 playing third base with the Peoria Chiefs of the single-A Midwest League. He batted .324 with 128 hits, 32 doubles, six triples, 17 home runs and 84 RBI, in 109 games.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=1eccd1bf |title=2000 Midwest League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference (Minors) |access-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501230202/http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=1eccd1bf |archive-date=May 1, 2013 |url-status=live }} He was voted the league's Most Valuable Player and named to the All-Star team.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-485425 |title=Story of Baseball in Peoria |work=Minor League Baseball |access-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420052003/http://www.milb.com/team4/page.jsp?ymd=20081204&content_id=485425&vkey=team4_t443&fext=.jsp&sid=t443 |archive-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=live }} Pujols also played 21 games with the Potomac Cannons in the high-A Carolina League that year, batting .284 with 23 hits, nine doubles, one triple, two home runs and 10 RBI. He finished the 2000 season with the Memphis Redbirds in the AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL), and after appearing in three regular season games with them, he batted .367 in the playoffs and was named the postseason Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the Redbirds won their first PCL title.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=pujols001jos |title=Albert Pujols Minor League Statistics & History |work=Baseball-Reference (Minors) |access-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414223750/http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=pujols001jos |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-148679 |title=Past Champions |work=Minor League Baseball |access-date=May 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502231205/http://www.milb.com/league3/page.jsp?ymd=20061214&content_id=148679&vkey=league3_l112&fext=.jsp&sid=l112 |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |url-status=live }}

=St. Louis Cardinals (2001–2011)=

==Early career (2001–2003)==

During spring training in 2001, incumbent first baseman Mark McGwire told Cardinals manager Tony La Russa that if he did not promote Pujols to the major league roster, "it might be one of the worst moves you make in your career."{{Cite web |last=Wojciechowski |first=Gene |author-link=Gene Wojciechowski |date=October 6, 2011 |title=Cardinals can't let Albert Pujols fly |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&page=wojciechowski-111005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008192829/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&page=wojciechowski-111005 |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=October 6, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}} La Russa later recounted the "myth" that Pujols only made the Opening Day roster in 2001 because Bobby Bonilla was injured. According to La Russa, he and the rest of Cardinals management were impressed enough by Pujols that they decided to promote him to the big league club even before Bonilla's injury.One Last Strike. LaRussa, Tony, with Rick Hummel. 2012, HarperCollins Publishers, {{ISBN|978-0-06-220738-8}}, pp. 41-42 Cardinals executive John Vuch backed this up, calling the link between Pujols and Bonilla an "old wives' tale" and stating that the competition for the last roster spot was actually between Bonilla and John Mabry.{{Cite web |last1=Baumann |first1=Michael |last2=Lindbergh |first2=Ben |date=2017-06-05 |title=When Albert Arrived |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/6/5/16046216/albert-pujols-john-vuch-mlb-show-podcast-9c38b73b9ffc |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=The Ringer |language=en}} Although the team did not require Pujols to fill any particular position, the Cardinals activated him to the Opening Day roster, and he started all season at third base, right field, left field, or first base.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2001 |title=Albert Pujols 2001 Batting Gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505021957/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2001 |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}

On Opening Day against the Colorado Rockies on April 2, Pujols became the first major league player born in the 1980s. In that game, he recorded his first career hit, a single against pitcher Mike Hampton in an 8–0 loss.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/COL/COL200104020.shtml |title=April 2, 2001 St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413124630/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/COL/COL200104020.shtml |archive-date=April 13, 2012 |url-status=live }} Four days later, he had three hits and three RBI — including his first home run — against the Arizona Diamondbacks' Armando Reynoso in a 12–9 win.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200104060.shtml |title=April 6, 2001 St. Louis Cardinals at Arizona Diamondbacks |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429174320/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200104060.shtml |archive-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=live }} On April 9, in his first career home game, Pujols hit a two-run home run in his first at bat against Denny Neagle of Colorado.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN200104090.shtml|title=Colorado Rockies at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, April 9, 2001|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=December 18, 2021}} Through 2015, he was one of three players to hit 20 or more home runs in their rookie year before July, along with Wally Berger (1930) and Joc Pederson (2015).{{cite web |url=http://www.truebluela.com/2015/6/29/8857387/joc-pederson-20-home-runs-dodgers |title=Joc Pederson reaches 20 home runs before July 1 |work=SB Nation |first=Eric |last=Stephen |date=June 29, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702093353/http://www.truebluela.com/2015/6/29/8857387/joc-pederson-20-home-runs-dodgers |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |url-status=live }} At midseason, Pujols became the first Cardinals rookie since Luis Arroyo in 1955 to make the All-Star Game. He finished the season batting .329 (sixth in the league) with 194 hits (fifth in the league), 47 doubles (fifth in the league), 37 home runs, and 112 runs. His 37 home runs led the Cardinals, topping Jim Edmonds' 30 and McGwire's 29.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2001.shtml |title=2001 St. Louis Cardinals Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404091628/http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2001.shtml |archive-date=April 4, 2009 |df=mdy }} He was named the National League (NL) Silver Slugger Award winner for the third base position, and he finished fourth in NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting, behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Luis Gonzalez.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2001.shtml |title=2001 Awards Voting |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210032913/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2001.shtml |archive-date=February 10, 2009 |url-status=live }} He was unanimously named the NL Rookie of the Year after setting an NL rookie record with 130 RBI's (fifth in the league) and becoming the fourth MLB rookie to hit .300 with 30 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBI's.{{cite news|date=November 11, 2001|title=St. Louis' Pujols named NL Rookie of the Year|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/stories/2001-11-12-nl-rookie.htm|work=USA Today|access-date=September 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175207/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/stories/2001-11-12-nl-rookie.htm|archive-date=February 26, 2009|url-status=live}}

The Cardinals finished the 2001 season with a 93–69 record and advanced to the playoffs as the National League wild card team.{{cite web |title=Season by Season Results for the St. Louis Cardinals |url=http://www.mrteverett.com/Baseball/results_franchise.asp?franchID=STL |publisher=Mr. Everett |access-date=December 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119050304/http://www.mrteverett.com/Baseball/results_franchise.asp?franchID=STL |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} The team advanced to the NL Division Series (NLDS).{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/08/sports/national-league-roundup-reynolds-wins-100th-as-astros-win-central.html |title=National League: Roundup; Reynolds Wins 100th As Astros Win Central |work=The New York Times |date=October 8, 2001 |access-date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206225331/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/08/sports/national-league-roundup-reynolds-wins-100th-as-astros-win-central.html |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |url-status=live }} In Game 2 on October 10, Pujols hit a game-winning two-run home run against Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson in a 4–1 victory.{{cite news |last=Hermoso |first=Rafael |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/11/sports/baseball-postseason-is-still-a-problem-for-johnson.html |title=Baseball; Postseason Is Still a Problem for Johnson |work=The New York Times |date=October 11, 2001 |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206221228/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/11/sports/baseball-postseason-is-still-a-problem-for-johnson.html |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |url-status=live }} The Cardinals, however, were eliminated in five games, and Pujols had just two hits in 18 at-bats.{{cite news |last=Hermoso |first=Rafael |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/17/sports/baseball-johnson-leaves-no-doubt-this-time.html |title=Baseball; Johnson Leaves No Doubt This Time |work=The New York Times |date=October 17, 2001 |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206224641/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/17/sports/baseball-johnson-leaves-no-doubt-this-time.html |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |url-status=live }}

After playing several positions in 2001, Pujols spent most of 2002 in left field.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2002 |title=Albert Pujols 2002 batting gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505022003/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2002 |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |url-status=live }} He began the season batting cleanup but was moved in May to the third spot in the lineup, where he remained for the rest of his Cardinals career.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml |title=Albert Pujols Statistics and History |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707094651/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml |archive-date=July 7, 2009 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Sternig |first=Amy |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020507&content_id=19583&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Lineup shift helps, but not enough |work=MLB.com |date=May 7, 2002 |access-date=November 26, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Pujols hit his 30th home run and 100th RBI of the season in a 5–4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in August, making him the sixth Cardinal to have back-to-back 30-home-run seasons and the second Cardinal (the other was Ray Jablonski) to start his career with back-to-back 100-RBI seasons.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020827&content_id=114123&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards suffer loss to Reds |work=MLB.com |date=August 27, 2002 |access-date=May 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207150533/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020827&content_id=114123&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} The following month, Pujols hit a game-winning two-run single against Pete Munro in a 9–3 victory over the Houston Astros that gave the Cardinals the NL Central title.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020920&content_id=133864&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=That's an NL Central winner! |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=September 20, 2002 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207145227/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020920&content_id=133864&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Pujols finished the year batting .314 (seventh in the NL) with 185 hits (tied for fourth in the NL), 40 doubles (eighth in the NL), 34 home runs (10th in the NL), 118 runs scored (second in the NL to Sosa's 122), and 127 RBI's (second in the NL).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2002-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2002 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509211802/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2002-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live }} He became the first player in major league history to hit over .300 with at least 30 home runs, 100 runs scored, and 100 RBI in his first two seasons. Pujols finished second in MVP voting to Bonds, becoming the first Cardinal since Stan Musial to finish in the top four in MVP voting for consecutive seasons. At the end of the 2002 season, Chris Haft of MLB.com called him "an outstanding hitter."{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021006&content_id=150951&vkey=ds2002news&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols delivers with bat, arm |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=October 6, 2002 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310173815/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021006&content_id=150951&vkey=ds2002news&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}

Pujols' contributions helped the Cardinals finish third in home runs and second in batting average and RBI; the Cardinals' pitching staff also finished fourth in ERA.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2002.shtml |title=2002 National League team statistics and standings |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122065259/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2002.shtml |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=live }} The Cardinals again reached the playoffs, and Pujols had three hits and three RBI in a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks in the 2002 NLDS. The team advanced to the 2002 NL Championship Series (NLCS), but lost in five games to the San Francisco Giants. Pujols had five hits, one home run and two RBI in the series.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=0&post=1 |title=Albert Pujols Postseason Batting Gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516044439/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=0&post=1 |archive-date=May 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Five Cardinals were named to the All-Star Game in 2003 while Pujols led the NL in votes.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030706&content_id=411733&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=All-Star Game draws five Cards |work=MLB.com |date=July 6, 2003 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301203326/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030706&content_id=411733&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} It was the first of eight straight seasons that Pujols would reach the All-Star Game.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100704&content_id=11910824&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Five Cardinals headed to All-Star Game |work=MLB.com |date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708014007/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100704&content_id=11910824&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 8, 2010 |url-status=dead }} From July 12 to August 16, Pujols had a 30-game hitting streak, tied for the second-longest in Cardinals' history with Musial and behind only Rogers Hornsby's 33-game streak.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030822&content_id=493654&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards stumble late against Phils |work=MLB.com |date=August 22, 2003 |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023222436/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030822&content_id=493654&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} On July 20, Pujols hit his 100th career home run, a game-winner in a 10–7 victory over the Dodgers. He became the fourth major leaguer to hit his 100th home run in his third season, along with Ralph Kiner, Eddie Mathews and Joe DiMaggio.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030720&content_id=436964&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards win slugfest in Los Angeles |work=MLB.com |date=July 20, 2003 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207145726/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030720&content_id=436964&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Pujols hit his 114th home run on September 20 in a game against the Astros, which tied him with Kiner for the most home runs by a player in his first three seasons.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030920&content_id=535950&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols lifts Cards, special fan |work=MLB.com |date=September 20, 2003 |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151730/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030920&content_id=535950&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}

In 157 games, Pujols hit 43 home runs (fourth in the league, behind Jim Thome, Richie Sexson and Bonds) and had 124 RBI's (tied with Sexson for fourth and behind Preston Wilson, Gary Sheffield and Thome).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2003 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201157/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live }} He became the youngest player since Tommy Davis in 1962 to win the NL batting title after batting .359, and he led the league in runs (137), hits (212), and doubles (51).{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030928&content_id=550529&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols takes home NL batting title |work=MLB.com |date=September 28, 2003 |access-date=May 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151707/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030928&content_id=550529&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Pujols joined Rogers Hornsby as the only players in the Cardinals' history to record more than 40 homers and 200 hits in the same season. Though his stellar play had Cardinals' fans chanting "M-V-P!" during home games as early as June, Pujols again finished second to Bonds in MVP voting.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.shtml |title=2003 Awards Voting |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424130453/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.shtml |archive-date=April 24, 2011 |url-status=live }} He won his second Silver Slugger Award{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031029&content_id=596316&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Rentería win Silver Sluggers |work=MLB.com |date=October 29, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008165518/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031029&content_id=596316&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} and first Sporting News Player of the Year Award.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031020&content_id=588007&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols earns Sporting News award |work=MLB.com |date=October 20, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151001/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031020&content_id=588007&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Pujols' contributions helped the Cardinals rank second in batting average and third in home runs in the NL; however, the pitching staff posted a 4.60 ERA, which was below the league average, and the Cardinals missed the playoffs.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003.shtml |title=2003 National League Team Statistics and Standings |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719233552/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003.shtml |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=live }}

==New contract (2004–2005)==

After receiving many awards in his first three seasons, Pujols was rewarded monetarily for his accomplishments on February 20, 2004, when he signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with a $16 million club option for 2011 with no-trade provisions.{{cite web |last=Slusser |first=Susan |url=http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/A-S-NOTEBOOK-Chavez-likes-what-happened-with-2819880.php |title=A'S NOTEBOOK / Chavez likes what happened with Cards' Pujols |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=February 22, 2004 |access-date=August 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824111203/http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/A-S-NOTEBOOK-Chavez-likes-what-happened-with-2819880.php |archive-date=August 24, 2015 |url-status=live }} He was moved to first base in 2004 after the Cardinals traded Tino Martinez in the offseason.{{Cite web |last=McEntire |first=Madison |title=Albert Pujols – Society for American Baseball Research |url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/albert-pujols/ |access-date=2025-01-14 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2004 |title=Pujols signs $100-million deal with Cards |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/pujols-signs-100-million-deal-with-cards-1.469847 |work=CBC Sports}}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2004 |title=Albert Pujols 2004 Batting Gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515190556/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2004 |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=live }} On June 16, he hit a walk-off home run against Reds pitcher Mike Matthews in the 10th inning of a 4–3 victory.{{Cite web |date=2004-06-18 |title=STL@CIN: Pujols hits a walk-off home run in the 10th |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/pujols-walk-off-homer-in-10th-c1008575683 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Eskew |first=Alan |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040618&content_id=774420&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols gives Cards win in 10th |work=MLB.com |date=June 18, 2004 |access-date=June 10, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Pujols' highlights later in the season included a July game in which he hit five RBI and three home runs in a thrilling win over the rival Chicago Cubs, and another in which he broke up a no-hitter by Giants pitcher Dustin Hermanson.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/21/sports/baseball-roundup-pujols-is-a-handful-5-for-5-and-5-rbi.html |title=Baseball: Roundup; Pujols Is a Handful: 5 for 5 and 5 R.B.I. |work=The New York Times |date=July 21, 2004 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701133414/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/21/sports/baseball-roundup-pujols-is-a-handful-5-for-5-and-5-rbi.html |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2004-07-24 |title=Hermanson, Bonds Stop Cardinals, 7-2 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-24-sp-nl24-story.html |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} During a September game against the Rockies, he earned his 500th RBI, joining Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams as the only players to have 500 RBI in their first four seasons. He said he was confident there was going to be "a lot more."{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040926&content_id=872306&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols reaches 500-RBI plateau |work=MLB.com |date=September 26, 2004 |access-date=June 12, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Although Pujols was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis during the second half of the season, he finished the season with a .331 average (fifth in the league), 196 hits (fifth), 51 doubles (second to Lyle Overbay's 53), 46 home runs (tied with Adam Dunn for second behind Adrián Beltré's 48), and 123 RBIs (third, behind Vinny Castilla's 131 and Scott Rolen's 124) in 154 games. He also led the league with 133 runs scored.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2004-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2004 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509171756/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2004-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live }} On defense, he tied for the league lead in errors by a first baseman, with 14.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2005-fielding-leaders.shtml|title=2005 National League Fielding Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He finished third in MVP voting (behind Bonds and Beltré), joining Musial as the only Cardinals to finish in the top five in voting for at least four years in a row.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041115&content_id=913673&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards finish 3–4–5 in MVP voting |work=MLB.com |date=November 15, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He won the Silver Slugger Award at first base, the third position he won the award at. Pujols, along with teammates Edmonds and Rolen, earned the nickname "MV3" for their phenomenal seasons; Pujols led the three in home runs and batting average.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-recast-the-mv/article_b35705b6-65af-5e0a-a359-d5900b93b9c4.html |title=Cardinals recast the 'MV3' |work=stltoday.com |date=December 24, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423172546/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-recast-the-mv/article_b35705b6-65af-5e0a-a359-d5900b93b9c4.html |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}

The Cardinals won the NL Central, aided by pitcher Chris Carpenter, who won 15 games and had a 3.46 ERA his first season with the team en route to winning the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carpech01.shtml |title=Chris Carpenter Statistics & History |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024134245/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carpech01.shtml |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040920&content_id=865026&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals clinch NL Central crown |work=MLB.com |date=September 20, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In Game 4 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, Pujols hit a three-run home run against Wilson Álvarez and had four RBI as the Cardinals won, 6–2, and took the series three games to one.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041010&content_id=890428&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols powers Cards into NLCS |work=MLB.com |date=October 10, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301153252/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041010&content_id=890428&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} In Game 6 of the NLCS, Pujols had three hits, scored three runs (including the winning run), and hit a two-run home run off Munro in a 12-inning, 6–4 victory.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041020&content_id=900869&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Edmonds' homer evens up NLCS |work=MLB.com |date=October 20, 2004 |access-date=June 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301151758/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041020&content_id=900869&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} The Cardinals won the series in seven games, advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1987. Pujols was named the NLCS MVP after batting .500 with four home runs and nine RBI.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=October 22, 2004 |title=Pujols led Cards with 9 RBIs in NLCS |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1907067 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=September 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209023511/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1907067 |archive-date=December 9, 2004 |url-status=live }} He was one of three Cardinals batters hit over .250 in the series against the Boston Red Sox, batting .333 as the Cardinals were swept by Boston in four games.{{Cite web |title=2004 World Series - Boston Red Sox over St. Louis Cardinals (4-0) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2004_WS.shtml |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

By 2005, many baseball fans thought that Pujols was the best Cardinal since Musial.Rains, 5 Pujols picked up his 100th RBI of the season on August 31, joining Williams, DiMaggio and Al Simmons as the only players with 100 RBI in their first five seasons.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050831&content_id=1192014&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols reaches 100 RBIs in Cards' rout |work=MLB.com |date=September 1, 2005 |access-date=June 19, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Pujols hit his 200th career home run in a game against the Reds on September 30, making him the third-youngest major league player to reach that milestone (behind Mel Ott and Eddie Mathews) and the second-fastest to reach it (behind Kiner).{{cite web |last=Norris |first=Stephen A. |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050930&content_id=1231618&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols makes history in Cards' win |work=MLB.com |date=October 1, 2005 |access-date=June 18, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 161 games, Pujols batted .330 (second to Derrek Lee's .335 average) with 195 hits (fourth behind Lee, Miguel Cabrera and Jimmy Rollins), 38 doubles, 41 home runs (third, behind Andruw Jones' 51 and Lee's 46), 117 RBI's (tied with Burrell for second behind Jones' 128), and 129 runs scored (first in the league).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2005-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2005 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201102/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2005-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live }} For the first time in his career, he won the NL MVP award as Bonds was limited to 14 games due to an injury.{{cite news|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=November 16, 2005|title=Pujols's Excellence Finally Earns Him an M.V.P.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/sports/baseball/16mvp.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417060222/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/sports/baseball/16mvp.html|archive-date=April 17, 2009|url-status=live}}

Pujols returned to the playoffs as the Cardinals won the NL Central for the second year in a row.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050917&content_id=1213368&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Celebration time: Cards lock up Central |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=September 17, 2005 |access-date=June 20, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He had five hits in nine at-bats with four runs scored and two RBI in the NLDS as the Cardinals swept the Padres. In Game 5 of the NLCS against the Astros, with the Cardinals trailing by two runs and only one out from elimination in the ninth inning, Pujols hit a game-winning three-run home run against Brad Lidge that landed on the train tracks in the back of Minute Maid Park. The Cardinals won 5–4.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |date=October 15, 2005 |title=Pujols keeps Cards' season alive |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20051017&content_id=1253412&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |access-date=July 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102190533/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20051017&content_id=1253412&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 2, 2007 |url-status=live }} MLB.com writer Matthew Leach later called it "one of the most famous playoff home runs in recent years." Nevertheless, the Cardinals were eliminated in Game 6 by the Astros. Pujols batted .304 with two home runs and six RBI in the series.

==Continued success and first World Series (2006–2008)==

File:Albert Pujols stance.jpg

Over two games in April 2006, Pujols hit home runs in four consecutive plate appearances, making him the 20th player to accomplish the feat. Pujols maintained after the game that he was more concerned with winning than the numbers: "I don't look at numbers," he said. "I don't know. I didn't know anything about [the record] until you guys brought it up. Because that's not me. I don't get locked in on numbers. I don't get locked in on anything like that. I get locked in on seeing the ball and helping my team out to win and hopefully doing some damage out there."{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060417&content_id=1405398&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' early long ball stands up |work=MLB.com |date=April 17, 2006 |access-date=June 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321231651/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060417&content_id=1405398&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 21, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Pujols had three hits and four RBI, including his 1,000th career hit (a home run against Jerome Williams), as the Cardinals defeated the Cubs 9–3 on April 21, 2006.{{cite web |last=Latsch |first=Nate |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060421&content_id=1411994&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' 11th homer propels Cards |work=MLB.com |date=April 22, 2006 |access-date=June 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100319192032/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060421&content_id=1411994&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 19, 2010 |url-status=dead }} On June 4, he was placed on the disabled list (DL) for the first time in his career with a strained right oblique that kept him out for three weeks.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060604&content_id=1487856&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols to DL; Edmonds steps in |work=MLB.com |date=June 4, 2006 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223201509/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060604&content_id=1487856&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060622&content_id=1518914&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Notes: Pujols in, Mulder out |work=MLB.com |date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604092758/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060622&content_id=1518914&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |url-status=dead }} On August 22, Pujols hit a three-run home run and a grand slam against John Maine in an 8–7 loss to the Mets.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060822&content_id=1623341&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' seven RBIs not enough |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=August 22, 2006 |access-date=June 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005070533/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060822&content_id=1623341&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On September 28, with the Cardinals trailing the Padres 2–1 in the eighth inning, he hit a three-run home run against Cla Meredith, helping the Cardinals win 4–2 and end a seven-game losing streak. The win preserved the Cardinals' 1.5-game division lead; La Russa later called it "the most huge of the huge ones he's hit."{{cite web |last=Bauman |first=Mike |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060928&content_id=1686984&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Cardinals' savior no surprise |work=MLB.com |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=November 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107192344/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060928&content_id=1686984&vkey=perspectives&c_id=mlb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}

File:Albert Pujols All Star.jpg]]

Pujols finished the season with a .331 average (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 Howard, 149) and 119 runs scored (tied with Matt Holliday, Hanley Ramírez, and Alfonso Soriano for fifth).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2006-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2006 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701194610/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2006-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=July 1, 2012 |url-status=live }} Of his 49 home runs, 20 produced a game-winning RBI, breaking Willie Mays' single-season record set in 1962.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260927124|title=Three-run Pujols blast helps Cards snap 7-game skid|date=September 27, 2006|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102115250/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260927124|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260929124|title=Cards power past Brewers, extend narrow division lead|date=September 29, 2006|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102115255/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260929124|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=dead}} He finished second to Howard in MVP voting and won the NL Gold Glove Award for first base.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1743855&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols MVP runner-up after career year |work=MLB.com |date=November 20, 2006 |access-date=June 25, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He won his first of four consecutive Fielding Bible Awards for the first base position.{{cite web |url=http://fieldingbible.com/the-2009-winners.asp |title=The 2009 Awards |work=fieldingbible.com |access-date=July 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105001529/http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/the-2009-winners.asp |archive-date=November 5, 2010 |url-status=live }}

Led by Pujols and Carpenter, the Cardinals won the NL Central and reached the playoffs for the third year in a row.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061001&content_id=1694595&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' prowess gives Cards confidence |work=MLB.com |date=October 1, 2006 |access-date=November 30, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In Game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres, he hit a game-winning two-run home run against Jake Peavy as the Cardinals won 5–1.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061003&content_id=1697170&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' long ball delivers Game 1 win |work=MLB.com |date=October 3, 2006 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027101211/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061003&content_id=1697170&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He had a game-winning RBI against David Wells and had three hits in Game 2 as the Cardinals won 2–0.{{cite web |last=McCalvy |first=Adam |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061005&content_id=1701213&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals score in mysterious ways |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=October 5, 2006 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027101807/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061005&content_id=1701213&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He batted .333 with a home run and an RBI in the series as the Cardinals defeated the Padres in four games. In Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, Pujols scored three runs as the Cardinals won 9–6.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061013&content_id=1712005&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards stun Mets on Taguchi's homer |work=MLB.com |date=October 14, 2006 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027084356/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061013&content_id=1712005&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He batted .318 with one home run and one RBI in the series as the Cardinals defeated the Mets in seven games. In Game 1 of the World Series against the Detroit Tigers, he hit a two-run home run against Justin Verlander as the Cardinals won 7–2.{{cite web |last=Bauman |first=Mike |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061021&content_id=1720182&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Pujols makes Tigers pay |work=MLB.com |date=October 22, 2006 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301120435/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061021&content_id=1720182&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |url-status=live }} In Game 5, he made a sprawling, flip-from-his-back play to rob Plácido Polanco of a hit as the Cardinals clinched the series, giving Pujols his first career World Series ring.{{cite web |date=October 27, 2006 |title=Cards roll past Tigers for first Series win since '82|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261027124 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=September 1, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012134015/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261027124| archive-date= October 12, 2008 | url-status= dead}}

File:Pujols facing.JPG

Near the beginning of the 2007 season in an April 22 game against the Cubs, Pujols hit a game-winning three-run home run against Ryan Dempster in the 10th inning of a 12–9 victory, tying Ken Boyer for second all-time on the Cardinals' home run list with his 255th.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070422&content_id=1924183&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' blast lifts Cards over Cubs |work=MLB.com |date=April 22, 2007 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026003306/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070422&content_id=1924183&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Pujols finished the season with 185 hits, 38 doubles and 103 RBI (a career-low). He was among the league leaders in batting average (.327, sixth) and home runs (32, tied for tenth).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2007-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2007 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621002220/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2007-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |url-status=live }} He scored 99 runs, ending his streak of seasons with at least 30 home runs, a .300 average, 100 runs scored and 100 RBI, at six. He grounded into a major-league-leading 27 double plays.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|title=Albert Pujols Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707094651/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|archive-date=July 7, 2009|url-status=live}} He finished ninth in MVP voting, the first year he had finished outside the top five.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2007.shtml |title=Baseball Awards Voting for 2007 |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218041942/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2007.shtml |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |url-status=live }}

Pujols began 2008 by reaching base in 42 straight games, the longest streak to open a season since 1999. On June 11, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf muscle.{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Brandon |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080611&content_id=2891897&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols to miss at least three weeks |work=MLB.com |date=June 11, 2008 |access-date=July 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025123143/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080611&content_id=2891897&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl&fext=.jsp |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080626&content_id=3007817&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols returns to fold at DH in finale |work=MLB.com |date=June 26, 2008 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014134759/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080626&content_id=3007817&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Pujols hit his 300th home run against Bob Howry on July 4 in a 2–1 loss to the Cubs. He said after the game that to him it was "just another homer that goes out of the park. I'm happy to do it in front of our fans; they were waiting for it."{{cite web |last=Hurwitz |first=Lee |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080704&content_id=3065158&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' power not enough vs. Cubs |work=MLB.com |date=July 5, 2008 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107210422/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080704&content_id=3065158&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On September 11, in a 3–2 loss to the Cubs, Pujols hit his 100th RBI of the season against Rich Harden, making him the third player in major league history to start his career with eight seasons of at least 100 RBI (along with Al Simmons and Ted Williams). He regretted that the milestone came in a loss, saying, "I wish it would have come with a great win. It would have been more special."{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080911&content_id=3459160&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols reaches RBI century mark |work=MLB.com |date=September 12, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405044439/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080911&content_id=3459160&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

File:Albert Pujols4.jpg

In 148 games in 2008, Pujols batted .357 (second to Chipper Jones' .364 average) with 187 hits (third, behind Reyes's 204 and David Wright's 189), 44 doubles (tied with Stephen Drew and Aramis Ramírez for fourth in the league behind Berkman and Nate McLouth's 46 and Corey Hart's 45), 37 home runs (tied with Ryan Braun and Ryan Ludwick for fourth in the league behind Howard's 48, Dunn's 40, and Delgado's 38), 116 RBI (fourth, behind Howard's 146, Wrights 124 and Adrián González's 119) and 100 runs scored.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2008-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2008 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504102714/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2008-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=live }} He grounded into a National League-leading 27 double plays.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2007-batting-leaders.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621002220/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2007-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=dead|title=2007 National League Batting Leaders|archive-date=June 21, 2012|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} Pujols won his second NL MVP Award, and he won the Silver Slugger Award for the fourth time in his career.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Crowning Achievement: Pujols NL MVP |work=MLB.com|last=Leach|first=Matthew|date=November 17, 2008|access-date=November 17, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081205061840/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl| archive-date= December 5, 2008 | url-status= dead}}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Ludwick honored for offense |work=MLB.com |date=November 13, 2008 |access-date=July 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217141046/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 17, 2008 |df=mdy-all }} He was named The Sporting News Player of the Year for the second time in his career.{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081022&content_id=3637054&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols garners another award|work=MLB.com|date=October 22, 2008|access-date=July 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028071436/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081022&content_id=3637054&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=October 28, 2008|url-status=dead}} For his work off the field, he was named the 2008 winner of the Roberto Clemente Award.{{cite web|last=Newman|first=Mark|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081025&content_id=3644099&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols wins Clemente Award|work=MLB.com|date=October 25, 2008|access-date=October 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027173724/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081025&content_id=3644099&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=October 27, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} He considered having Tommy John surgery after the season but underwent nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow instead to ease discomfort.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3441558&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols considering elbow surgery |work=MLB.com |date=September 8, 2008 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914083117/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3441558&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 14, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081013&content_id=3617212&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols has surgery on right elbow|work=MLB.com|date=October 13, 2008|access-date=July 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921000202/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081013&content_id=3617212&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=September 21, 2012|url-status=dead}}

==Later Cardinals career and second World Series (2009–2011)==

File:DSC05863 Albert Pujols.jpg]]

On April 25, 2009, Pujols picked up his 1,000th career RBI with a 441-foot grand slam against David Patton in an 8–2 victory over the Cubs. "I hit that ball as good as I can hit a ball," he said after the game.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424550&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols passes milestone with slam |work=MLB.com |date=April 25, 2009 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141632/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424550&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On July 3, he hit his 10th career grand slam against Weathers in a 7–4 victory over the Reds, breaking Musial's record for most grand slams by a Cardinal. The grand slam was also his 350th career home run, making him the third-fastest player to reach the milestone, behind Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090704&content_id=5684116&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' slam notches several milestones |work=MLB.com |date=July 4, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310152955/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090704&content_id=5684116&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He received the highest number of votes in NL history for the All-Star Game that year.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706802&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Trio of Cards heading to All-Star Game |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 5, 2009 |access-date=July 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707054201/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706802&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 7, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}

Pujols had four hits, scored three runs, and knocked in five RBI on August 4, including a grand slam against Sean Green that tied the NL record for most grand slams in a season (five), in a 10-inning, 12–7 victory over the Mets.{{cite web |last=Britton |first=Tim |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090804&content_id=6236846&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Grand finale: Pujols caps Cardinals' rally |work=MLB.com |date=August 5, 2009 |access-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808132351/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090804&content_id=6236846&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 8, 2009 |url-status=dead }} 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 Fielder and Howard's 141) and 124 runs scored (first).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2009-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2009 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504091211/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2009-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=live }} He was unanimously named the NL MVP for the third time, tying Musial as the Cardinals' leader in that category.{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Third time is charming for MVP Pujols|work=MLB.com|date=November 24, 2009|access-date=July 17, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121523/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=September 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}} For the fifth time in his career, he won the Silver Slugger Award.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091112&content_id=7657724&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols rakes in fifth Silver Slugger |work=MLB.com |date=November 12, 2009 |access-date=July 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121444/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091112&content_id=7657724&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} He won the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, joining Williams and Joe Morgan as the only players to win it in back-to-back years.{{cite web|last=Bahr|first=Chris|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-10-22/sporting-news-names-albert-pujols-2009-mlb-player-year|title=Sporting News names Albert Pujols 2009 Major League Baseball Player of the Year|work=Sporting News|date=October 22, 2009|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107035124/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-10-22/sporting-news-names-albert-pujols-2009-mlb-player-year|archive-date=January 7, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} For the fourth year in a row, he won the Fielding Bible Award for first base.

Aided by the mid-season acquisition of Matt Holliday (who replaced Ryan Ludwick as the cleanup hitter) and the emergence of Adam Wainwright (who led the NL in wins), the Cardinals returned to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7135706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals secure NL Central crown |work=MLB.com |date=September 27, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020083014/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7135706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090928&content_id=7201836&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Holliday proves a perfect fit with Cards |work=MLB.com |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020065725/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090928&content_id=7201836&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Rains |first=B. J. |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091002&content_id=7290976&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Wainwright's 20th-win bid goes astray |work=MLB.com |date=October 3, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020094952/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091002&content_id=7290976&vkey=recap&c_id=stl&fext=.jsp |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }} In the NLDS against the Dodgers, Pujols batted .300 with one RBI as the Cardinals were swept in three games. Following the postseason, Pujols had surgery to remove five bone spurs from his right elbow. The Cardinals called the surgery a "success", and Dr. James Andrews decided that Pujols did not need Tommy John surgery.{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091021&content_id=7515056&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols' elbow surgery a 'success'|work=MLB.com|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 22, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024083734/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091021&content_id=7515056&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl| archive-date= October 24, 2009 | url-status= dead}}{{cite web|url=http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/911286.html|title=Pujols Elbow Surgery Wednesday|work=Scout.com|last=Walton|first=Brian|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=July 20, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217003633/http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/911286.html|archive-date=February 17, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

For April 2010, Pujols earned his first Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award. He batted .348, 1.270 OPS, three home runs and 14 RBI with runners on base. Further, in situations with his team leading by one run, tied, or having the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck after the seventh inning ("late-and-close"), he batted .583 (7-for-12) with a home run, two doubles, three RBI and five runs scored.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100510&content_id=9937426&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols voted Clutch Performer for April |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=July 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927163837/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100510&content_id=9937426&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} On June 29, in an 8–0 victory over the Diamondbacks, Pujols hit five RBI and hit two home runs against Dontrelle Willis for his 37th career multi-homer game, which tied Musial's franchise record for multi-homer games. "It's pretty special," he said of tying Musial. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be compared sometimes with him."{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300629124 |title=Pujols records 37th career multihomer game as Cards blank D-backs |work=ESPN.com |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=July 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012133818/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300629124 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On August 26, he hit his 400th career home run against Jordan Zimmermann in a 13-inning, 11–10 loss to the Nationals. He became the third-youngest player to reach the milestone{{snd}}behind Griffey Jr. and Rodriguez{{snd}}and he became the fourth-quickest player by at bats to reach the milestone (behind McGwire, Babe Ruth, Harmon Killebrew, and Thome).{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100826&content_id=13967532&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols belts career home run No. 400 |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615064744/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100826&content_id=13967532&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }} On September 11, in a 12-inning 6–3 loss to Atlanta, Pujols had three RBI and reached 100 RBI for the 10th consecutive year with a two-run double against Tommy Hanson. Only Al Simmons has a longer streak of 100 RBI seasons at the beginning of a career, with 11. Pujols joined Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, and Rodriguez in having 10 consecutive seasons of 100 or more RBI at any time in their career. Foxx and Rodriguez are the only two players besides Pujols to have 10 consecutive years of 30 home runs and 100 RBI.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100911&content_id=14550370&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols reaches 100 RBIs for 10th straight year |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=September 11, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615065206/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100911&content_id=14550370&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The next day, in a 7–3 victory over the Braves, he passed Musial to be the all-time Cardinals' leader in multi-home run games when he hit two home runs against Tim Hudson for the 38th time in a game.{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100912&content_id=14606874&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols' two homers, Cards' D back Lohse|work=MLB.com|date=September 13, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916005017/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100912&content_id=14606874&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=September 16, 2010|url-status=dead}}

In 159 games, Pujols batted .312 (sixth) with 183 hits (fifth) and 39 doubles (tied for eighth with Marlon Byrd); he led the league in runs scored (115), home runs (42) and RBI (118).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2010-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2010 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714063112/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2010-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |url-status=live }} He won his second Gold Glove Award for first base,{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101110&content_id=16050172&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Molina, Pujols honored with Gold Glove Awards |work=MLB.com |date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=July 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113174606/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101110&content_id=16050172&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |df=mdy-all }} and he won the NL First Base Silver Slugger Award for the sixth time. He finished second in the NL MVP voting to Joey Votto, who said he was "shocked" that Pujols only got one first-place vote.{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16171678&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Votto wins NL MVP by overwhelming margin |work=MLB.com |date=November 22, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026144029/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16171678&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 26, 2011 |url-status=live }}

Pujols and the Cardinals set a deadline for the start of 2011 spring training for contract extension negotiations{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_1fdd7c62-20e0-11e0-82f1-00127992bc8b.html |title=Mozeliak: Spring training is deadline for Pujols' deal |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=January 15, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010130417/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_1fdd7c62-20e0-11e0-82f1-00127992bc8b.html |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |url-status=live }} but failed to reach an agreement.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110216&content_id=16649896&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols-Cards contract talks end without deal |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=February 16, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008101708/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110216&content_id=16649896&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }} After Pujols struggled in his first 30 games of the season in batting .231,{{cite web |last=Latsch |first=Nate |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110504&content_id=18640580¬ebook_id=18640582&vkey=notebook_stl&c_id=stl |title=La Russa confident in Pujols turning it around |work=MLB.com |date=May 4, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506171202/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110504&content_id=18640580¬ebook_id=18640582&vkey=notebook_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=May 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }} he batted .316 with 30 home runs in his final 117 games.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2011 |title=Albert Pujols 2011 Batting Gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515193023/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2011 |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=live }} Against the Cubs, he hit consecutive extra-inning walk-off home runs on June 4 and 5 for the first time since Albert Belle in 1995. Carpenter noted after the game that Pujols' slump earlier in the year was over: "He continues to do great things, there's no doubt about it," he said. "The things that he's done the last few days have been just like the old Albert."{{cite web |last=Laymance |first=Austin |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_05_chnmlb_slnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Pujols again strikes in extras to lift Cardinals |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=June 5, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011022052/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_05_chnmlb_slnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On June 19 against the Royals, Wilson Betemit collided with Pujols, inducing a small fracture his left wrist and keeping him inactive until July 5.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110620&content_id=20766184&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols expected to miss about six weeks |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106211225/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110620&content_id=20766184&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110705&content_id=21433292&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols activated, set to play Wednesday |work=MLB.com |date=July 5, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011072347/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110705&content_id=21433292&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On July 30, in a 9–2 victory over the Cubs, he got his 2,000th career hit against Carlos Mármol, becoming the fifth Cardinal to reach 2,000 hits and 12th-fastest major leaguer by games to reach the milestone.{{cite web |last=Laymance |first=Austin |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110729&content_id=22497288&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols adds to illustrious career with 2,000th hit |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 30, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011073002/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110729&content_id=22497288&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} In the Cardinals' final game of the season, against the Astros on September 28, he had the game-winning RBI against Brett Myers in the 8–0 victory, helping the Cardinals overcome a 10.5-game deficit to Atlanta to win the Wild Card.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_28_slnmlb_houmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Go Wild, folks: Cards headed to the postseason |work=MLB.com |date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210204908/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_28_slnmlb_houmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 10, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Pujols finished the season with 173 hits (tied for ninth with Aramis Ramírez), 29 doubles (a career-low), and 105 runs scored (tied for third with Justin Upton behind Ryan Braun's 109 and Matt Kemp's 115).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2011-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2011 National League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715010425/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2011-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=live }} He saw his streak of seasons batting at least .300 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI snapped when he hit 37 home runs (third, behind Fielder's 38 and Kemp's 39), but batted .299 with 99 RBI (seventh); however, only three other players in the major leagues matched him in those categories (José Bautista, Fielder, and Kemp), causing Tyler Kepner of The New York Times to write, "Even when Pujols struggles, he excels."{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |title=Great From Day 1, Pujols Draws Superlatives on and Off the Field |date=October 19, 2011 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/sports/baseball/still-great-still-albert-pujols.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525132556/https://www.webcitation.org/62YgG8c0c?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/sports/baseball/still-great-still-albert-pujols.html%3F_r=2&sq=albert%20pujols&st=cse&scp=1&pagewanted=all |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He grounded into a major-league leading 29 double plays. He was fifth in MVP voting.{{Cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/11/ryan-braun-wins-nl-mvp-award-matt-kemp-second.html |title=Ryan Braun wins NL MVP award; Matt Kemp second |last=Mitchell |first=Houston |date=November 22, 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125125226/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/11/ryan-braun-wins-nl-mvp-award-matt-kemp-second.html |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |url-status=live }}

File:Albertpuljosss.jpg

In Game 2 of the NLDS against the Phillies on October 2, Pujols had a game-winning RBI single against Cliff Lee in the 5–4 victory.{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_02_slnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Comeback Cards strike in Philly to tie NLDS |work=MLB.com |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223103332/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_02_slnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He batted .350 with one RBI in the series as the Cardinals defeated the Phillies in five games. In Game 2 of the NLCS against the Brewers, he had four hits, three runs scored, one home run and five RBI, in a 12–3 victory.{{cite web |last=Frisaro |first=Joe |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111010&content_id=25590888&vkey=ps2011player&c_id=mlb |title=Performer of the game: Pujols |work=MLB.com |date=October 11, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109024449/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111010&content_id=25590888&vkey=ps2011player&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }} He batted .478 with two home runs and nine RBI in the series as the Cardinals defeated the Brewers in six games. On October 22, in Game 3 of the World Series, Pujols had five hits, three home runs, four runs scored and six RBI in a 16–7 victory over the Rangers. He joined Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players in baseball history to hit three home runs in a World Series game, set a series record with 14 total bases, became the first player in series history to have hits in four consecutive innings, and tied records for most hits and most RBI in a World Series game.{{cite news |last1=Sheinin |first1=Dave |title=2011 World Series Game 3: Albert Pujols hits three home runs to push Cardinals past Rangers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/2011-world-series-game-3-albert-pujols-hits-three-home-runs-to-push-cardinals-past-rangers/2011/10/22/gIQAVljS8L_story.html |access-date=21 October 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 October 2011}}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_22_slnmlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Mr. Octo'bert: Pujols' 3 HRs answer critics |work=MLB.com |date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024060537/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_22_slnmlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 24, 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Strauss |first=Joe |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_72a1fda6-fce0-11e0-a99e-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Pujols puts on historic display of power |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023102458/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_72a1fda6-fce0-11e0-a99e-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Miklasz |first=Bernie |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_01ba1308-fd3a-11e0-b3ff-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Bernie: Pujols' performance is one for the ages |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126083654/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_01ba1308-fd3a-11e0-b3ff-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=live }} He had one hit and no RBI the other six games of the series but became a World Series champion for the second time as the Cardinals defeated the Rangers in seven games. After the season, he became a free agent for the first time in his career.{{cite web |last=Schlegel |first=John |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111102&content_id=25880048&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols officially playing the field for first time |work=MLB.com |date=November 3, 2011 |access-date=April 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023080458/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111102&content_id=25880048&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |url-status=live }}

=Los Angeles Angels (2012–2021)=

Three teams were reported to be interested in Pujols during the 2011 offseason: the Cardinals, the Miami Marlins, and the Los Angeles Angels. The Cardinals offered Pujols a 10-year, $210 million deal (with $30 million deferred), but Pujols rejected it. His wife, Deidre, explained on a radio talk show that they were "insulted" and "confused" that the Cardinals had initially offered Pujols a five-year deal.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7346376/albert-pujols-wife-deidre-explains-why-los-angeles-angels-slugger-left-st-louis-cardinals |title=Deidre Pujols explains decision |work=ESPN.com |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428155927/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7346376/albert-pujols-wife-deidre-explains-why-los-angeles-angels-slugger-left-st-louis-cardinals |archive-date=April 28, 2012 |url-status=live }} The Marlins reportedly offered Pujols a 10-year contract too, but on December 8, he signed a 10-year deal with the Angels worth around $254 million.{{cite web |last=Kruth |first=Cash |url=http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111208&content_id=26127998&vkey=news_mia&c_id=mia |title=Marlins lose out on free agents Pujols, Wilson |work=Marlins.MLB.com |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229193934/http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111208%26content_id=26127998%26vkey=news_mia%26c_id=mia |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/pujols-angels-agree-254-million-10-deal-190024693.html |title=Pujols, Angels agree to $254 million, 10-year deal |last=Blum |first=Ronald |date=December 8, 2011 |website=Yahoo! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112034616/http://news.yahoo.com/pujols-angels-agree-254-million-10-deal-190024693.html |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 8, 2011 |df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Alden|title=Halos' Saturday news conference to air live|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111209&content_id=26138046&vkey=news_ana&c_id=mlb|access-date=December 10, 2011|work=MLB.com|date=December 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055028/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111209&content_id=26138046&vkey=news_ana&c_id=mlb|archive-date=October 23, 2013|url-status=live}}

==Early Angels tenure (2012–2016)==

File:Albert Pujols on April 14, 2012.jpg

Pujols did not perform very well to begin the 2012 season, batting .217 with no home runs and four RBI in the month of April.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120430&content_id=30061572¬ebook_id=30066020&vkey=notebook_ana&c_id=ana |title=Pujols shrugs off homerless April |work=MLB.com |date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512023233/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120430%26content_id=30061572%26notebook_id=30066020%26vkey=notebook_ana%26c_id=ana |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Soon after the Angels called up top prospect Mike Trout and fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, Pujols' numbers began to rise, as he batted .323 with 13 home runs from May 15 through the All-Star Break.{{cite web |last=Meisel |first=Zack |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120427&content_id=29808520&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |title=Trout recalled as Angels release veteran Abreu |work=MLB.com |date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502020716/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120427%26content_id=29808520%26vkey=news_ana%26c_id=ana |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120515&content_id=31385572&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |title=Angels dismiss hitting coach Hatcher |work=MLB.com |date=May 16, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715042538/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120515&content_id=31385572&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2012 |title=Albert Pujols 2012 Batting Gamelogs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602214255/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=pujolal01&t=b&year=2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120709&content_id=34780702&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |title=Not surprisingly, Trout center of attention in KC |work=MLB.com |date=July 10, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On July 31, he hit two home runs against Derek Holland in a 6–2 victory over the Rangers. After the game, Holland observed that Pujols had "definitely turned it around, no doubt about it... He had a slow start, but he's picked it up. He's a great hitter...."{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_31_anamlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=ana |title=Stars align as Pujols, Trout light up sky for Weaver |work=MLB.com |date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109180631/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_31_anamlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=ana |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }} On August 14, Pujols had four RBIs, including a game-winning three-run home run against Ubaldo Jiménez in a 9–6 victory over the Cleveland Indians.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_08_14_clemlb_anamlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=ana |title=Pujols, Greinke lead Halos to much-needed win |work=MLB.com |date=August 15, 2012 |access-date=October 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061421/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_08_14_clemlb_anamlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=ana |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }} In 2012, Pujols batted .285 (at the time, a career low) in 153 games with 173 hits, 50 doubles (second to Alex Gordon's 51), 30 home runs, 105 RBIs (7th in AL), and 85 runs scored.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2012 American League Batting Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003235708/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012-batting-leaders.shtml |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}

In 2013, Pujols had by far the worst season of his career to date, failing to play at least 100 games in a season for the first time. Pujols also 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 for the remainder of the 2013 season after suffering a foot injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/los-angeles-angels-albert-pujols-to-miss-remainder-of-2013-season/c-57531160|title=Pujols to miss remainder of 2013 season|website=MLB.com|date=August 19, 2013|access-date=January 16, 2023}} In August 2013, on his St. Louis WGNU radio show, former Cardinals player Jack Clark accused Pujols of having used performance-enhancing drugs. Clark served as the Cardinals' hitting coach during the early part of Pujols' tenure in St. Louis. On the morning of August 9, Pujols issued a statement adamantly denying that he had ever taken PEDs. He denounced Clark's allegations as "irresponsible and reckless," and threatened to sue Clark and WGNU over the allegations.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130809&content_id=56426970&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Pujols denies steroid allegations, threatens legal action: Defiant slugger rebuffs St. Louis radio host's claim that trainer used to 'shoot him up' |work=MLB.com |date=August 10, 2013 |access-date=August 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812010318/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130809&content_id=56426970&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=August 12, 2013 |url-status=live }} Partly due to legal threats from Pujols, InsideSTL Enterprises, which owns WGNU's weekday airtime under a time brokerage agreement, cut ties with Clark.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9553275/albert-pujols-says-sue-jack-clark-false-accusations|title=Jack Clark fired after Pujols says he'll sue|date=August 9, 2013|access-date=August 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811083731/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9553275/albert-pujols-says-sue-jack-clark-false-accusations|archive-date=August 11, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/23082071/former-mlber-jack-clark-accuses-albert-pujols-of-using-peds|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811102525/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/23082071/former-mlber-jack-clark-accuses-albert-pujols-of-using-peds|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 11, 2013|title=Ex-MLBer Clark says Albert Pujols used PEDs; trainer says not so|website=Cbssports.com}}{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn%3A9556488|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811102547/http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn%3A9556488|url-status=dead|title=Pujols, Verlander Respond To Clark's Claims - ESPN Video - ESPN|date=August 11, 2013|archive-date=August 11, 2013|website=archive.fo}}{{cite web|url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/84003/wgnu-st-louis-to-flip-to-sports/|title=WGNU St. Louis To Flip To Sports|last=Venta|first=Bruce|date=June 28, 2013|publisher=Radio Insight|access-date=August 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220351/http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/84003/wgnu-st-louis-to-flip-to-sports/|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=live}} On October 4, 2013, Pujols filed a defamation lawsuit against Clark.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9769100/albert-pujols-los-angeles-angels-sues-jack-clark-steroid-accusations|title=Albert Pujols sues Jack Clark|publisher=ESPN|date=October 5, 2013|access-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004173344/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9769100/albert-pujols-los-angeles-angels-sues-jack-clark-steroid-accusations|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=live}} In response, Clark challenged Pujols, proposing that they both take polygraph tests to resolve who is telling the truth.{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/clark-challenges-pujols-to-dueling-polygraphs-over-steroids-claims/article_3ff849de-b3c2-5af6-943a-3971bc7b3a17.html |title=Clark challenges Pujols to dueling polygraphs over steroids claims |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 14, 2013}} However, on February 10, 2014, Clark apologized and retracted his accusations against Pujols, saying he had "no knowledge whatsoever" that Pujols ever used PEDs. "During a heated discussion on air, I misspoke," Clark said. In return, Pujols dropped the suit.{{cite news|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/article_2ee9e673-15d4-58da-bf4e-e16c1fc3da75.html|title=Jack Clark apologizes; Pujols will drop lawsuit|last=Goold|first=Derrick|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=February 11, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829051412/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/article_2ee9e673-15d4-58da-bf4e-e16c1fc3da75.html|archive-date=August 29, 2014|url-status=live}}

On April 22, 2014, Pujols hit his 499th and 500th home runs off the Washington Nationals' Taylor Jordan at Nationals Park, where he had hit his 400th career home run in the 2010 season.{{cite web |last=Wagner |first=James |title=Albert Pujols hits career home run No. 500 off Taylor Jordan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/04/22/albert-pujols-hits-career-home-run-no-500-off-taylor-jordan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235746/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/04/22/albert-pujols-hits-career-home-run-no-500-off-taylor-jordan/ |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |access-date=April 27, 2014 |work=Nationals Journal (Washington Post)}} Pujols became the 26th player ever to reach the 500-home-run mark, the third-youngest to reach it, and the only player to hit Nos. 499 and 500 in the same game. On August 10, he played in MLB's longest game of the year, and the longest in the history of Angel Stadium, ending the 19-inning, 6-hours-and-31-minute contest against the Red Sox with a solo home run for a 5–4 final score. It was his first walk-off home run as an Angel and first since June 2011.{{cite web |last=DeFranks |first=Matthew |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_09_bosmlb_anamlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=ana |title=Replay confirms Pujols' 19th-inning walk-off homer |work=MLB.com |date=August 10, 2014 |access-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813093030/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_09_bosmlb_anamlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=ana |archive-date=August 13, 2014 |url-status=live }} On September 6, against the Minnesota Twins, Pujols collected his 2,500th career hit, a two-run go-ahead double off of Jared Burton in the 9th inning. He also passed the 1,500-run mark in the same game. In the process, he became the fifth player in major league history with 2,500 hits and 500 home runs while maintaining a .310 lifetime batting average, after Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams and Manny Ramirez.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340906109|title=Pujols' 9th-inning 2B lifts Angels over Twins 8–5|date=September 6, 2014|work=ESPN|access-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907174220/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340906109|archive-date=September 7, 2014|url-status=live}}

For the 2014 season, Pujols batted .272 and grounded into an American League-leading 28 double plays. He was tied for the 3rd-highest salary in the AL, at $23 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2014-other-leaders.shtml|title=2014 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} After the 2014 season, Pujols traveled to Japan to join a team of MLB All-Stars playing against the All-Stars of Nippon Professional Baseball in the Japan All-Star Series.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/mlb-stars-commit-to-all-star-series-in-japan?ymd=20140821&content_id=90726626&vkey=news_mlb|title=MLB stars commit to 'All-Star Series' in Japan|website=Major League Baseball|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822095205/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/mlb-stars-commit-to-all-star-series-in-japan?ymd=20140821&content_id=90726626&vkey=news_mlb|archive-date=August 22, 2014|url-status=live}}

Before the 2015 season, Pujols enjoyed his first offseason in his time with the Angels in which he was both free of injury or recuperation from injury. However, his offensive production lagged behind his career levels the first month of the season. By the end of April, Pujols was batting .208 with three home runs and nine RBI in 86 plate appearances. The next month, Pujols' offensive production had started to come around. Between May 28 and June 22, he batted .356 with 15 homers, 30 RBI, and a 1.326 OPS. At this time, he was leading the American League in home runs with 23.{{cite magazine |title=Albert Pujols on his resurgence, his All-Star chances and his future |first=Ben |last=Reiter |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/06/24/albert-pujols-angels-home-runs-0 |date=June 22, 2015 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627163705/http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/06/24/albert-pujols-angels-home-runs-0 |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |url-status=live }} After batting .303/.395/.737 with 13 home runs in June 2015, Pujols was named AL Player of the Month for the first time and seventh overall monthly award. His home run total led the major leagues and 73 total bases tied Manny Machado for first in the AL. Remarkably, his batting average on balls in play was .218, significantly lower than the league average of about .300.{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=A. J. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-wins-al-player-of-the-month/c-134287314 |title=Pujols crowned AL Player of the Month |work=MLB.com |date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194205/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/134287314/albert-pujols-wins-al-player-of-the-month |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live }} Selected to the All Star Game, Pujols was announced as a reserve for the American League. Due to an injury just days earlier with Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, Pujols instead started at first base. It was his 10th overall selection to the midsummer classic, and first as a member of the Angels.{{cite news |last=González |first=Alden |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-to-start-all-star-game-at-first/c-135090682 |title=Pujols gets start at 1B on AL All-Star team: Veteran will replace injured Miggy in starting lineup |work=MLB.com |date=July 6, 2015 |access-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913100859/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/135090682/albert-pujols-to-start-all-star-game-at-first/ |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |url-status=live }} On September 22, Pujols hit his 556th career home run to pass Ramírez for sole possession of 14th place on the all-time career home run leaderboard.{{cite web |title=Albert Pujols hits 556th career home run to pass Manny Ramirez |first=Ben |last=Reiter |url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/09/22/video-albert-pujols-passes-manny-ramirez-with-556th-career-home-run/ |work=NBC |date=September 22, 2015 |access-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926012722/http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/09/22/video-albert-pujols-passes-manny-ramirez-with-556th-career-home-run/ |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live }} In the last game of the season, on October 4, Pujols hit his 40th home run, the seventh time he had done so in a season. Among active MLB players, he trailed only Alex Rodriguez, with eight. With Trout also hitting 40 home runs, the 2015 Angels became just the 31st team in MLB history with multiple players to hit 40+ home runs in a season.{{cite news |last=Snyder |first=Matt |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-albert-pujols-reaches-40-hrs-for-seventh-time-in-his-career/ |title=WATCH: Albert Pujols reaches 40 HRs for seventh time in his career |work=CBSSports.com |date=October 4, 2015 |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919094936/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-albert-pujols-reaches-40-hrs-for-seventh-time-in-his-career/ |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}

For the 2015 season, he batted .244/.307/.480, and he had the lowest batting average on balls in play (.217) of all major league players.{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=13,d|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Batters » Advanced Statistics - FanGraphs Baseball|website=fangraphs.com|access-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222082057/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=13,d|archive-date=December 22, 2018|url-status=live}} He was tied for the 3rd-highest salary in the AL, at $24 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2015-other-leaders.shtml|title=2015 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

On April 30, 2016, Pujols became the 85th player to make 10,000 career plate appearances.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsamericasnow.com/the-richest-dominican-republic-born-players-in-major-league-baseball-today/ |title=The richest Dominican Republic-born players in Major League Baseball today |work=News America Now |date=May 5, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913091903/http://www.newsamericasnow.com/the-richest-dominican-republic-born-players-in-major-league-baseball-today/ |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |url-status=live }} On May 2, Pujols became the 20th player all-time to amass 5,000 career total bases. On August 17, Pujols joined Barry Bonds as the only other player to be intentionally walked over 300 times. Playing the Toronto Blue Jays on August 25, he reached 100 RBI for the 13th time in his career, the fifth player to do so.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/08/25/pujols-reaches-100-rbis-for-13th-time-angels-beat-jays-6-3/89379528/ |title=Pujols reaches 100 RBI for 13th time, Angels beat Jays 6−3 |work=USA Today |date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=August 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826033236/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/08/25/pujols-reaches-100-rbis-for-13th-time-angels-beat-jays-6-3/89379528/ |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |url-status=live }} While playing Cincinnati on August 29, Pujols hit his 26th home run and 103rd RBI of the season. The home run tied him with Frank Robinson for ninth place on the all-time home run list at 586, and allowed him to become the seventh player all-time with 1,200 career extra base hits, and the 21st to reach 1,800 RBI.{{cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-blog-20160829-snap-story.html |title=Mike Trout may be the Angels' star, but Albert Pujols provides big hits and true grit |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831185732/http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-blog-20160829-snap-story.html |archive-date=August 31, 2016 |url-status=live }} On September 16, Pujols became the 16th player all-time to reach 600 career doubles.{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/angels/anaheim-729280-night-friday.html|last=Carlisle|first=Mark|work=The Orange County Register|title=Albert Pujols records his 600th career double|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918085210/http://www.ocregister.com/angels/anaheim-729280-night-friday.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live}}

Pujols batted .268 for the 2016 season. He tied for 2nd in the AL in double plays grounded into, with 24.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2016-batting-leaders.shtml|title=2016 American League Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930045650/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2016-batting-leaders.shtml|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live}} He had the 6th-highest salary in the league, at $25 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2016-other-leaders.shtml|title=2016 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

==Later Angels tenure (2017–2021)==

File:Albert Pujols (36564529721) (cropped).jpg

On June 3, 2017, Pujols became the ninth player in Major League history to hit at least 600 home runs, when he hit a grand slam off of Ervin Santana of the Minnesota Twins.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19531116/albert-pujols-los-angeles-angels-becomes-fourth-youngest-600-home-runs-grand-slam|title=Albert Pujols: 'Pretty special' to be ninth ever to reach 600 home runs|first=Alden|last=Gonzalez|date=4 June 2017|access-date=4 June 2017|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604065844/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19531116/albert-pujols-los-angeles-angels-becomes-fourth-youngest-600-home-runs-grand-slam|archive-date=June 4, 2017|url-status=live}} He was the fourth-youngest player to achieve the feat (behind Alex Rodriguez, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron), and the first to hit a grand slam for his 600th home run.

For the 2017 season, Pujols played in 149 games and had 593 at bats, but set career-lows in batting average (.241), on base percentage (.286), slugging percentage (.386), doubles (17), and walks (37), while leading the majors by grounding into 26 double plays.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|title=Albert Pujols Stats - Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707094651/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|archive-date=July 7, 2009|url-status=live}} He had the slowest baserunning sprint speed of all major league players, at 21.8 feet/second.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2017&position=&team=&min=10|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225180252/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2017&position=&team=&min=10|archive-date=February 25, 2019|url-status=live}} He had the 6th-highest salary in the AL, at $26 million.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2017-other-leaders.shtmla] {{dead link|date=August 2022}}

On May 4, 2018, Pujols recorded his 3,000th major league hit, against Mike Leake of the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/05/04/albert-pujols-3000th-career-hit-angels-cardinals|title=Watch: Albert Pujols gets 3,000th career hit|website=Si.com|date=4 May 2018 |access-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506054212/https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/05/04/albert-pujols-3000th-career-hit-angels-cardinals|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}} On July 12, Pujols hit his 630th career home run, moving into a tie with Ken Griffey Jr. for sixth place all-time for that category. The next day, Pujols was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to left knee inflammation.{{cite web |title=Albert Pujols goes on DL with knee inflammation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-placed-on-disabled-list/c-285642944 |publisher=MLB |access-date=July 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714021440/https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-placed-on-disabled-list/c-285642944 |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |url-status=live }} He hit a single on August 10 for his 1,000th hit as an Angel, becoming the ninth player to record 1,000 hits in both the American League and National League.{{cite web|first=Maria|last=Guardado|title=Pujols 9th player with 1,000 hits in each league|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-gets-1000th-hit-with-angels/c-289828198|publisher=MLB|date=August 11, 2018|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006035209/https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-gets-1000th-hit-with-angels/c-289828198|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}} He had surgery on his left knee in August, ending his season, and on his right elbow to remove a bone spur in September.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2795184-albert-pujols-to-undergo-surgery-to-repair-elbow-injury|title=Albert Pujols to Undergo Surgery to Repair Elbow Injury|first=Joseph|last=Zucker|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123223533/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2795184-albert-pujols-to-undergo-surgery-to-repair-elbow-injury|archive-date=January 23, 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2018, he batted .245/.289/.411 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs (matching the lowest season total of his career). He had the slowest baserunning sprint speed of all major league players for the second consecutive year, at 22.2 feet/second.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2018&position=&team=&min=10|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153356/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2018&position=&team=&min=10|archive-date=January 14, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2018&position=3&team=&min=10|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153358/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2018&position=3&team=&min=10|archive-date=January 14, 2019|url-status=live}} He was the sixth-oldest player in the American League.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2018-other-leaders.shtml|title=2018 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217202422/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2018-other-leaders.shtml|archive-date=December 17, 2018|url-status=live}} He had the 5th-highest salary in the AL, at $27 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2018-other-leaders.shtml|title=2018 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

On May 9, 2019, Pujols became the fourth player in major league history to record 2,000 RBIs, hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-homers-for-career-rbi-no-2-000|title=With homer, Pujols joins 2 others with 2,000 RBIs|work=MLB.com|date=May 9, 2019|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509185722/https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-homers-for-career-rbi-no-2-000|archive-date=May 9, 2019|url-status=live}} A Tigers fan caught the 2,000 RBI ball but refused to turn it over to MLB officials, saying that he wanted to sleep on it before making a decision. In response, MLB refused to authenticate the ball. The fan, Ely Hydes, eventually decided that he wanted to return the ball to Pujols, who in turn refused, stating that the fan should either keep the ball or donate it to the Baseball Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/05/10/albert-pujols-home-run-ball-tigers-fan/1161503001/|title=Tigers fan won't return Albert Pujols' milestone ball: 'I'm not in it for the money'|website=USA TODAY|access-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511065316/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/05/10/albert-pujols-home-run-ball-tigers-fan/1161503001/|archive-date=May 11, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.12up.com/posts/6365856-fan-who-wouldn-t-return-albert-pujols-2000th-rbi-ball-has-sudden-change-of-heart|title=Fan Who Wouldn't Return Albert Pujols' 2000th RBI Ball Has Sudden Change of Heart|date=May 11, 2019|website=12up.com|access-date=May 20, 2019|archive-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725024850/https://www.12up.com/posts/6365856-fan-who-wouldn-t-return-albert-pujols-2000th-rbi-ball-has-sudden-change-of-heart|url-status=dead}} Pujols hit his 200th home run as an Angel on June 13, becoming only the sixth player to hit 200 home runs with two different teams.{{cite web |first=Bill |last=Baer |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/06/13/albert-pujols-becomes-sixth-player-to-hit-200-homers-with-two-teams/ |title=Albert Pujols becomes sixth player to hit 200 homers with two teams |website=NBC Sports |date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2020}}

In 2019, he batted .244/.305/.430. Pujols had the lowest line drive percentage of all major league hitters (15.3%), and the 16.7% of balls he hit to the opposite field were the lowest in baseball.{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=16,a|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball|website=fangraphs.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=5,a|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics |website=fangraphs.com}} He had the second-slowest sprint speed of all major league players, at 22.5 feet/second.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2019&position=&team=&min=10 |title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard |publisher=Baseballsavant.mlb.com |access-date=2019-10-09}} He was the third-oldest player in the American League, behind Ichiro Suzuki (who retired in March) and Fernando Rodney.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2019-other-leaders.shtml|title=2019 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He was tied for the 4th-highest salary in the AL, at $28 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2019-other-leaders.shtml|title=2019 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

At the beginning of the 2020 season, Pujols (at the age of 40) was the oldest player in the major leagues.{{cite web |title=Yearly League Leaders & Records for Oldest |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/Oldest_leagues.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=31 July 2020}} On August 24, Pujols passed Rodriguez to reach second on the all-time RBIs list with a single against the Astros. With his 2,087th RBI, he trailed only Hank Aaron's 2,297. (Babe Ruth has 2,214 RBIs as recognized by Baseball Reference, but only 1,989 on the official MLB list; MLB does not count pre-1920 RBIs because it was not yet an official statistic.){{cite web |title=Albert Pujols moves ahead of Alex Rodriguez for second place on MLB's all-time RBI list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/albert-pujols-moves-ahead-of-alex-rodriguez-for-second-place-on-mlbs-all-time-rbi-list/ |website=CBSsports.com |last=Acquavella |first=Katherine |date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 26, 2020}} On September 18, Pujols hit his 661st career home run to pass Willie Mays for fifth place all-time.{{cite news |title=Albert Pujols Passes Willie Mays in Home Runs, if Not Dominance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/sports/baseball/albert-pujols-willie-mays-661.html |website=The New York Times |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=September 18, 2020|access-date=September 21, 2020}}

In 2020, Pujols batted .224/.270/.395 with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs in 152 at bats.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|title=Albert Pujols Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He had the slowest sprint speed of all major league players, at 22.0 feet/second.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed?year=2020&position=&team=&min=10&sort=7&sortDir=desc|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com}} He was tied for the 7th-highest salary in the league, at $29 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2020-other-leaders.shtml|title=2020 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

Pujols began the 2021 season with the Angels. On May 6, 2021, the Angels designated Pujols for assignment. Through 24 games, Pujols was hitting .198/.250/.372 with five home runs.{{cite web |title=Angels part ways with Albert Pujols |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/albert-pujols-released-by-angels |website=MLB.com |language=en |date=6 May 2021}} On May 13, Pujols cleared waivers and became a free agent.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/albert-pujols-clears-waivers-free-agent.html |title=Albert Pujols Clears Waivers, Becomes Free Agent |last=Adams |first=Steve |work=MLB Trade Rumors |date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=July 20, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513172827/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/albert-pujols-clears-waivers-free-agent.html |archive-date=May 13, 2021 }}

==Assessment of Angels tenure==

In nine-plus seasons with the Angels, Pujols hit .256 with 222 homers and 783 runs batted in.{{cite web |title=Albert Pujols' Angels career by the numbers: 10-year deal ends with declining production and no playoff wins |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/albert-pujols-angels-career-by-the-numbers-10-year-deal-ends-with-declining-production-and-no-playoff-wins/ |website=CBSSports.com|date=6 May 2021 }} During his time with the Angels, the team won the AL West 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 hitter in the middle of the lineup for a going-nowhere Los Angeles Angels team".{{cite web|url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/albert-pujols-lost-years/|title=The lost years of Pujols|first=Joe|last=Posnanski|date=August 26, 2016}}

In an August 7, 2018, article entitled "How the shift has ruined Albert Pujols," ESPN sportswriter Alden Gonzalez wrote: {{blockquote|text="The recent proliferation of defensive shifts has made it exceedingly difficult for power hitters to turn batted balls into hits, prompting an infatuation with launch angles and breeding a widespread acceptance of strikeouts. Few have been victimized more than Pujols, the aging slugger who still makes frequent contact but no longer runs well... [T]he modern game is especially unforgiving to older hitters, and it has intensified the decline of arguably the greatest first baseman in baseball history."{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24270231/mlb-how-shift-ruined-albert-pujols|title=How the shift has ruined Albert Pujols|date=August 7, 2018|website=ESPN}}

}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)=

On May 17, 2021, Pujols agreed to a one-year major league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite web |last1=Toribio |first1=Juan |title=Pujols, Dodgers finalize one-year deal |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/albert-pujols-deal-with-dodgers |website=MLB.com |language=en|access-date=May 17, 2021}} He made his Dodgers debut that night as the starting first baseman against the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/walker-buehler-leads-dodgers-win-vs-d-backs|title='Electric' Buehler wows new teammate Pujols|work=MLB.com|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}} With his longtime number 5 having been assigned to Corey Seager, Pujols chose the number 55; both as nods to his two former teams, as well as the Bible. "If you know the Bible," Pujols explained, "it's the number of grace. So I feel 5-5, double grace."{{cite web|date=2021-05-17|title=Dodgers: Albert Pujols Changes His Jersey Number in Los Angeles|url=https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-albert-pujols-changes-his-jersey-number-in-los-angeles/2021/05/17/|access-date=2021-08-01|website=Dodgers Nation|language=en-US}} On May 20, Pujols hit his first home run as a Dodger, a two-run homer off Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-hits-first-home-run-with-dodgers?game_pk=634059|title='Energized' Pujols hits first HR as a Dodger|first=Juan|last=Toribio|website=MLB.com|date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021}} In October, Scott Miller of The New York Times asserted that Pujols had "flourished beyond expectations, scorching lefties for a .306 batting average".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/sports/baseball/albert-pujols-dodgers.html|title=A Baseball 'Machine' Finds Happiness|first=Scott|last=Miller|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 5, 2021}}

Overall, in 2021 he appeared in 85 games for the Dodgers and hit .254 with a .299 on base percentage, 12 homers, and 38 RBIs. For the second season in a row, he had the slowest baserunning sprint speed of all major league players, at 22.4 feet/second.{{cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed?min_season=2021&max_season=2021&position=&team=&min=10&sort=7&sortDir=asc|title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com|access-date=}} His line drive percentage of 15.4% was the lowest in the major leagues, and his 16.7% of balls hit to the opposite field was the lowest in the majors.{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=5,a|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball|website=www.fangraphs.com}} He was the oldest player in the league for the second season in a row,{{cite web |title=Respect your elders: MLB's 10 oldest players |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/oldest-players-in-mlb-entering-2021-season |access-date=2021-10-25 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} and had the fifth-highest salary at $30 million.

In his first postseason appearance since 2014, he appeared in nine games for the Dodgers, with five hits in 18 at bats for a batting average of .278.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml|title=Albert Pujols stats|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=October 24, 2021}} Pujols subsequently announced that he would play in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) in the offseason, for Leones del Escogido.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32506226/los-angeles-dodgers-albert-pujols-play-dominican-republic-not-ready-retire-mlb |title=Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols to play in Dominican Republic, not ready to retire from MLB |website=ESPN|date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021}}

= Return to St. Louis (2022) =

File:Albert Pujols 9.22.22.jpg on September 22, 2022.]]

On March 28, 2022, Pujols signed a one-year contract to return to the St. Louis Cardinals and announced that 2022 would be his final season.{{cite web|title=Pujols returns to Cardinals for final season|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-cardinals-deal|first=John|last=Denton|work=MLB.com|date=March 28, 2022|accessdate=March 28, 2022}} He said, "There were a lot of teams interested. It took 12 hours, maybe even less, to get a deal done once we received a call from the Cardinals," adding: "We have the best fans in baseball. It feels like I never left."{{cite web | url=https://www.ballysports.com/national/news/it-feels-like-i-never-left-albert-pujols-relishes-cardinals-return | title='It feels like I never left': Albert Pujols relishes Cardinals return | date=20 April 2022 }} He was the oldest player in the major leagues for the third season in a row.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2022-other-leaders.shtml|title=2022 Major League Baseball Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

On May 15, Pujols made his pitching debut, the oldest player to do so since 1929. In a 15–6 blowout win against the San Francisco Giants, he gave up two home runs and four earned runs in the ninth inning.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-pitches-for-cardinals|title=Now pitching for the Cardinals ... Albert Pujols?|first=John|last=Denton|website=MLB.com|date=May 15, 2022|accessdate=May 16, 2022}} On June 4 against the Chicago Cubs, he became the 10th major league player to play 3,000 games, appearing as an injury replacement for Corey Dickerson.{{cite news |last=Goold |first=Derrick |authorlink=Derrick Goold |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/as-one-hitting-streak-comes-to-an-end-another-continues-for-cardinals-remarkable-goldschmidt/article_211f0c39-e4d8-5a9e-a4f3-dd57149ce7b4.html |title=As one hitting streak comes to an end, another continues for Cardinals 'remarkable' Goldschmidt |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 5, 2022}} On June 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Pujols singled for his 3,320th career hit, passing Paul Molitor for tenth all-time in hits.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-jeffrey-springs-harrison-bader-ji-man-choi-daa5ba9607df18fd99c3ed705ff4ba0d|title=Walls hits 3-run homer in 10th, Rays beat Cardinals 4-2|work=Associated Press|first=Mark|last=Didtler|date=June 8, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}} On July 10, after the Philadelphia Phillies had shut out the Cardinals in three straight games, Pujols made a rare start against a right-handed pitcher, and his three hits, including a home run, helped spark a 4–3 win. The home run was Pujols' 1,377th extra-base hit, tying him for third all-time with Stan Musial.{{cite news |last=Denton |first=John |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-homers-leads-cardinals-to-win |title=Pujols hits 684th HR: 'I work my butt off to be ready' |work=MLB.com |date=July 10, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2022}} Pujols was chosen to be on the National League team for the All-Star Game by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred as a "legacy" selection to honor his career achievements.{{cite web|url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/mlb/stl-cardinals/miles-mikolas-all-star-2nd-time-brewers-corbin-burnes/63-b892e65a-ce7e-4df2-b34a-edf4660dea4a|title=Miles Mikolas named All-Star for 2nd time, will replace Brewers' Corbin Burnes|date=July 17, 2022|website=ksdk.com}} He was also selected to participate in the Home Run Derby, where he advanced to the second round and fell one home run short of eventual winner Juan Soto.{{Cite web |last=Woo |first=Katie |date=2022-07-12 |title=Cardinals' Albert Pujols will participate in Home Run Derby: Sources |url=https://theathletic.com/news/cardinals-albert-pujols-will-participate-in-home-run-derby-sources/DRHu2oI3ehzo/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |publisher=The Athletic}}

{{quote box|This could have happened last week in St. Louis, which would have been awesome to me, but to allow it to happen tonight in front of my family and friends and people who really care and love me is special.|width=25%|―Pujols on hitting his 700th home run in Los Angeles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/24/1124907144/albert-pujols-hits-700-home-runs |publisher=NPR |date=2022-09-23 |accessdate=2022-09-24 |language=en-US |title=Cardinals' Albert Pujols hits 700th home run, becoming 4th player to reach the mark}}}}

On August 20, he passed Musial for second place all-time in total bases, trailing only Hank Aaron.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-passes-stan-musial-for-2nd-on-total-bases-list|title=Pujols homers twice, sparking thoughts of 700|website=MLB.com|first=Jake|last=Rill|date=August 21, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}} On August 22, he was named the National League Player of the Week alongside teammate Paul Goldschmidt after hitting .615 with three home runs and seven RBIs.{{cite web | url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/mlb/stl-cardinals/pujols-goldschmidt-cardinals-national-league-player-of-the-week/63-93a7a53f-763f-4298-bd94-58c5512ca5ad | title=Cardinals sluggers Pujols, Goldschmidt named co-NL Players of the week | date=22 August 2022 }} On August 29, Pujols hit a third-inning home run off of Ross Detwiler of the Cincinnati Reds. Detwiler was the 450th unique pitcher to surrender a home run to Pujols, who thus broke a record belonging to Barry Bonds.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-homers-off-450th-pitcher-most-all-time|title=Pujols sets record with homer off 450th pitcher|first=Will|last=Aldrich|website=MLB.com|date=August 29, 2022|accessdate=August 30, 2022}} On September 10 and 11, Pujols hit his 696th and 697th home runs, at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates, to move into fourth place on the all-time list.{{Cite magazine |last=Selbe |first=Nick |title=Albert Pujols Passes MLB Legend With Career HR No. 697 |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2022/09/11/albert-pujols-hits-career-home-run-697-passes-alex-rodriguez |access-date=2022-09-12 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} On September 14, he became the second player in MLB history to officially compile 2,200 RBIs.{{Cite web |last=Denton |first=John |title=Time-tested Waino-Yadi battery sets record that may never be broken |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adam-wainwright-yadier-molina-set-batterymates-record |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=MLB.com |language=en-us}} On September 23, Pujols became the fourth player to hit 700 career home runs. His 699th and 700th home runs came during consecutive at-bats during an 11–0 victory for the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.{{cite web |title=MLB live updates: Cardinals at Dodgers game on 09/23/2022 free with MLB Gameday |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cardinals-vs-dodgers/2022/09/23/662585#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=662585 |website=MLB.com |access-date=24 September 2022 |language=en}} He hit No. 699 off Andrew Heaney, his 200th home run off a left-handed pitcher; and his 700th off Phil Bickford, his 500th home run off a right-handed pitcher.{{Cite web |last=Denton |first=John |title=Pujols lets emotions flow after joining 700 Home Run Club |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-hits-career-home-run-no-699 |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=MLB.com |language=en-us}} On October 2, he hit No. 702 in his last career home game, mirroring the home run he hit in his St. Louis debut two decades earlier.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title=Pujols honored pregame, then slugs 702nd HR |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34713001/albert-pujols-hits-career-home-run-no-702-final-regular-season-home-game-st-louis-cardinals |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} On October 3, he hit No. 703, which gave him sole possession of second place on the all-time RBI list, surpassing Babe Ruth's total.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-cardinals-albert-pujols-passes-babe-ruth-for-second-on-all-time-rbi-list-with-career-home-run-no-703/|title=Cardinals' Albert Pujols passes Babe Ruth for second on all-time RBI list with career home run No. 703|first1=Dayn|last1=Perry|first2=R.J.|last2=Anderson|website=CBS Sports|date=October 3, 2022|accessdate=October 4, 2022}} Pujols finished his regular-season career first in double plays grounded into (426), third in sacrifice flies (123), fifth in games played (3,080) and doubles (686), and sixth in at bats (11,421).

The Cardinals won the National League Central division, earning a berth in the postseason and enabling Pujols' 10th and final postseason appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-clinch-2022-national-league-central-title|title='This is what we play for': Cards clinch NL Central title|website=MLB.com|first=John|last=Denton|date=September 28, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}} He went 2-for-8 in the National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In Game 2 on October 8, he singled in his last two at-bats. The Phillies won the game, eliminating the Cardinals and bringing Pujols' playing career to an end.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-win-nl-wild-card-game-1-2022|title=Worth the wait: Phils defy huge odds with historic rally in G1 win|website=MLB.com|first=Todd|last=Zolecki|date=October 8, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-win-nl-wild-card-series-2022|title=Steady Nola rewriting narrative, sends Phils to NLDS|website=MLB.com|first=Todd|last=Zolecki|date=October 9, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}} On November 1, it was announced that Pujols had signed retirement papers with the Cardinals.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/albert-pujols-signs-retirement-papers-with-cardinals|title=Pujols makes retirement official, signs papers|website=MLB.com|first=Manny|last=Randhawa|date=November 1, 2022|access-date=January 16, 2023}}

After the season was finished, Pujols was awarded the Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award, along with Justin Verlander.{{Cite web |title=Comeback Player of the Year Award {{!}} 11/23/2022 |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/comeback-player-of-the-year-award |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}{{cite web | last=Casella | first=Paul | title=2022 Comeback Player of the Year Award winners | website=MLB.com | date=2022-11-22 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-comeback-player-of-the-year-award-winners | access-date=2024-12-23}}

Post-playing career

File:Albert Pujols (DgfQQAAmaFs).png

On February 23, 2023, the Angels hired Pujols as a special assistant as part of a 10–year personal services contract.{{Cite web|title=Retired Albert Pujols joins Angels camp: It's good to 'put the uniform back on'|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2023-02-22/albert-pujols-angels-personal-service-contract-spring-training|access-date=January 4, 2024|website=Los Angeles Times|date=22 February 2023 |language=en}} Since retiring, Pujols has also been an analyst on MLB Network.

In June 2023, Pujols was named the "official global ambassador" of Baseball United, a professional baseball organization in the Middle East and South Asia.{{cite news |title=Albert Pujols named official global ambassador for Baseball United |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2321296/sport |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=Arab News |date=14 June 2023 |language=en}} He was also reported to have an ownership interest in the league.{{cite news |title=2-time MLB All-Star Luis Severino joins Baseball United ownership group |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2459061/sport |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=Arab News |date=13 February 2024 |language=en}}

In February 2024, Pujols was named the manager of the Leones del Escogido.{{cite news |title=Albert Pujols será el nuevo manager de los Leones del Escogido |url=https://www.mlb.com/es/news/albert-pujols-sera-el-nuevo-manager-de-los-leones-del-escogido |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=February 22, 2024 |language=es}} The Leones del Escogido won the Serie Final of the 2024–25 season.{{cite news |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alden |title=Could Albert Pujols become an MLB manager someday? |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43601453/albert-pujols-manager-lidom-dominican-republic-leones-del-escogido |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=ESPN.com |date=February 1, 2025}}

Playing style

Pujols' swing was praised for its consistency. "It's the same swing every time," former teammate Lance Berkman once said.{{cite web |last=Justice |first=Richard |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120312&content_id=27227330&c_id=mlb |title=Consistent Pujols unfazed by expectations |work=MLB.com |date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023080502/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120312&content_id=27227330&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |url-status=live }} "He has the ability to repeat his swing over and over and over, which leads to him being very consistent," Cardinals' video coordinator Chad Blair said. Sports Illustrated writer Daniel G. Habib described the swing as "quick" and "quiet". Pujols used a 32.5-ounce bat against right-handed pitchers, but used a 33-ounce bat against left-handers to avoid trying to pull the ball when he swung.{{cite web |last=Habib |first=Daniel G. |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1111306/index.htm |title=A Swing of Beauty |work=sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=May 22, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115061814/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1111306/index.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2010 |url-status=dead }} He credited his hitting ability partly to learning what pitchers would do in certain counts and situations: {{blockquote|text=I can tell right away from the first pitch if they're going to pitch to me or not with men on base. I need to be aggressive and make sure I look for my pitch and be ready. If it's there, be ready to swing. If it's not there, take it. There's just something there in my mind and you know right away the situation will dictate the situation you're in.|source=The New York Times: May 31, 2009{{cite web |last=Curry |first=Jack |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/the-many-hitting-faces-of-albert-pujols/ |title=The Many Hitting Faces of Albert Pujols |work=The New York Times |date=May 31, 2009 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204032547/http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/the-many-hitting-faces-of-albert-pujols/ |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |url-status=live }}}}

Accomplishments and accolades

Pujols is second in major league history in runs batted in and total bases behind only Hank Aaron. He and Aaron are the only two players to amass 3,000 hits, 700 home runs, and 2,200 RBIs.{{efn|Babe Ruth has over 2,200 RBIs, but unofficially, as he played six seasons before RBIs became a recognized statistic.}} Only two other players (Stan Musial and Willie Mays) have surpassed 6,000 total bases. Pujols hit home runs off of a record 458 different pitchers over the course of his career,{{cite web|url=https://fox2now.com/sports/st-louis-cardinals/albert-pujols-finishes-with-more-home-runs-in-sendoff-season-than-eight-team-leaders/|title=Albert Pujols finishes with more home runs in sendoff season than eight team leaders|first=Joey|last=Schneider|publisher=FOX2now|date=October 6, 2022|accessdate=December 4, 2022}} and is fourth in career home runs and fifth in doubles. In 2009, Pujols set the major league single-season record for assists by a first baseman with 185.{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7321448&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols sets first baseman assist mark|work=MLB.com|date=October 4, 2009|access-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121511/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7321448&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=September 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

Pujols is the all-time leader in double plays hit into. In an age when seasons of 150+ strikeouts were the norm for sluggers, he never struck out 100 times in a season.

Pujols became the first player to produce four hits and two homers in a single game at the age of 42 or older in August 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2022/08/20/albert-pujols-700-home-runs-chase-retirement-cardinals/7858795001/ | title='I'm still going to retire': Albert Pujols making charge at 700 home runs in final days of career | website=USA Today|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221010202618/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2022/08/20/albert-pujols-700-home-runs-chase-retirement-cardinals/7858795001/|archive-date = October 10, 2022 }} Given his career achievements, Pujols is widely expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and potentially a unanimous selection the first year in which he becomes eligible (2028).{{cite web|url = https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38570/active-players-who-will-be-hall-of-famers|title = Active players who will be Hall of Famers|date = July 29, 2013|access-date = November 28, 2014|website = ESPN.com|last = Schoenfield|first = David|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141207024950/http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38570/active-players-who-will-be-hall-of-famers|archive-date = December 7, 2014|url-status = live}}{{cite magazine|url = https://www.si.com/mlb/strike-zone/2013/07/26/who-is-cooperstown-bound-a-look-at-active-players-with-strong-hall-of-fame-cases|title = Who is Cooperstown bound? A look at active players with strong Hall of Fame cases|date = July 26, 2013|access-date = November 28, 2014|magazine = Sports Illustrated|last = Jaffe|first = Jay|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141205004259/http://www.si.com/mlb/strike-zone/2013/07/26/who-is-cooperstown-bound-a-look-at-active-players-with-strong-hall-of-fame-cases|archive-date = December 5, 2014|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url = http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/which-active-players-are-going-to-cooperstown-2/|title = Which active players are going to Cooperstown?|date = January 7, 2014|access-date = November 28, 2014|website = Fangraphs|last = Cameron|first = Dave|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141219141724/http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/which-active-players-are-going-to-cooperstown-2/|archive-date = December 19, 2014|url-status = live}}

Pujols has earned praise from many of his fellow players and coaches. In 2008, he was named the most feared hitter in baseball in a poll of all 30 MLB managers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings/080424 |title=Identifying the most feared hitter in the bigs |first=Jayson |last=Stark |publisher=ESPN |date=April 24, 2008 |access-date=July 23, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012053016/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings%2F080424 |archive-date=October 12, 2011 }} La Russa has called him "the best player I've ever managed."{{cite web |last=Hummel |first=Rick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_393b5c14-0f31-53d0-8977-b108de3b3298.html |title=Encore: Pujols' walk-off homer beats Cubs |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=July 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012130506/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_393b5c14-0f31-53d0-8977-b108de3b3298.html |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=live }} National League Central Division rival Joey Votto referred to him as "one of the greatest hitters of all time."{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122&content_id=16171750&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols runner-up to Votto for NL MVP |work=MLB.com |date=November 22, 2010 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123145548/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101122%26content_id=16171750%26vkey=news_stl%26c_id=stl |archive-date=January 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Brendan Ryan said, "He's the best there is."{{cite web |last=Dodd |first=Rustin |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090621&content_id=5448994&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols powers sweep of Royals |work=MLB.com |date=June 21, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111143626/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090621&content_id=5448994&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Fernando Viña said, while Pujols was in his first stint with the Cardinals, "He's the face of the Cardinals."

=Awards and honors=

class="wikitable" \|+ Championships earned or shared
style="background:#ccf;"\|Title ! style="background:#ccf;"\|{{Tooltip\|Times\|Number of times achieved}} ! style="background:#ccf;"\|Dates ! style="background:#ccf;"\|{{Tooltip\|Ref\|References}}
National League batting champion \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2003 \|
National League champion \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| 2004, 2006, 2011 \|
Pacific Coast League champion \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2000 \|
World Series champion \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \| 2006, 2011 \|

class="wikitable"

|+ Championships earned or shared

style="background:#ccf;"|Title

! style="background:#ccf;"|{{Tooltip|Times|Number of times achieved}}

! style="background:#ccf;"|Dates

! style="background:#ccf;"|{{Tooltip|Ref|References}}

National League batting champion

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2003

National League champion

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| 2004, 2006, 2011

Pacific Coast League champion

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2000

World Series champion

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

| 2006, 2011

class="wikitable" \|+ Awards received
style="background:#ccf;"\|Name of award ! style="background:#ccf;"\|{{Tooltip\|Times\|Number of times achieved}} ! style="background:#ccf;"\|Dates ! style="background:#ccf;"\|{{Tooltip\|Ref\|References}}
Baseball America Major League Player of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2005 \|
ESPY Award for Best International Athlete \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \|2005, 2006 \|
ESPY Award for Best MLB Player \| style="text-align:center;"\| 4 \| 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 \| {{cite web \|last=Bollinger \|first=Rhett \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090719&content_id=5952492&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols wins ESPY for Best Baseball Player \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=July 20, 2009 \|access-date=July 20, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925203951/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090719&content_id=5952492&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=September 25, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}
Fielding Bible Award at first base \| style="text-align:center;"\| 5 \|2006−09, 2011 \|{{cite web \|title=The 2011 Awards \|url=http://fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp \|work=fieldingbible.com \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102034331/http://www.fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp \|archive-date=November 2, 2011 \|access-date=August 3, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|df=mdy }}
GIBBY/This Year in Baseball Awards for Hitter of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \| 2003, 2008 \|{{cite web\|last=Leach\|first=Matthew\|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl\|title=Pujols named TYIB's Hitter of the Year\|work=MLB.com\|date=December 15, 2008\|access-date=December 15, 2008\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217141046/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl\|archive-date=December 17, 2008\|url-status=dead\|df=mdy-all}}
Hank Aaron Award \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \| 2003, 2009 \| {{cite web \|last=Footer \|first=Alyson \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031022&content_id=590570&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols, A-Rod win Aaron award \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=October 22, 2003 \|access-date=June 1, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151254/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031022&content_id=590570&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=December 7, 2013 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091101&content_id=7594950&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Aaron Award is latest hardware for Pujols \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=November 1, 2009 \|access-date=July 19, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121316/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091101&content_id=7594950&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=September 26, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}
Heart and Hustle Award \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2009 \|
League Championship Series Most Valuable Player \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2004 \|
MLB All-Star \| style="text-align:center;"\| 11 \| 2001, 2003−10, 2015, 2022 \|{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040704&content_id=788932&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Rentería gives Cards three of a kind \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=July 4, 2004 \|access-date=June 11, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008165918/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040704&content_id=788932&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=October 8, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050703&content_id=1113639&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Cards land six-pack in All-Star Game \|work=MLB.com \|date=July 3, 2005 \|access-date=June 16, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060702&content_id=1534561&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols garners most votes in NL \|work=MLB.com \|date=July 2, 2006 \|access-date=June 22, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}} {{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070701&content_id=2059890&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named All-Star for sixth time \|work=MLB.com \|date=July 1, 2007 \|access-date=June 27, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911125913/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070701&content_id=2059890&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=September 11, 2007 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076111&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols, Ludwick named NL All-Stars \|work=MLB.com \|date=July 6, 2008 \|access-date=July 5, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817135351/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076111&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=August 17, 2008 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web\|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/roster/\|title=2015 All-Star Game Interactive Roster\|website=Major League Baseball\|access-date=September 23, 2015\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909163618/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/roster/\|archive-date=September 9, 2015\|url-status=live}}{{cite web\|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34212004/st-louis-cardinals-albert-pujols-detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-participate-2022-mlb-all-star-game\|title=St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols, Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera to participate in 2022 MLB All-Star Game\|website=ESPN\|date=8 July 2022 \|access-date=July 16, 2022\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711020331/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34212004/st-louis-cardinals-albert-pujols-detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-participate-2022-mlb-all-star-game\|archive-date=July 11, 2022\|url-status=live}}
MLB Player of the Month \| style="text-align:center;"\| 7 \|May 2003, June 2003, April 2006, April 2009, June 2009, August 2010, June 2015 \| {{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030602&content_id=350520&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols is NL Player of the Month \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=June 2, 2003 \|access-date=May 28, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207150845/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030602&content_id=350520&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=December 7, 2013 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030702&content_id=405752&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols takes back-to-back months \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=July 2, 2003 \|access-date=May 28, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207145536/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030702&content_id=405752&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=December 7, 2013 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Klemish \|first=Dawn \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060502&content_id=1429895&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols earns NL Player of Month \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=May 2, 2006 \|access-date=June 22, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302092649/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060502&content_id=1429895&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=March 2, 2012 \|url-status=dead }} {{cite web \|last=Singer \|first=Tom \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4571044&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols honored as April's top NL hitter \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=May 5, 2009 \|access-date=July 14, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703&content_id=5674416&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named NL Player of the Month \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=July 3, 2009 \|access-date=July 14, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302090822/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703%26content_id=5674416%26vkey=news_stl%26fext=.jsp%26c_id=stl \|archive-date=March 2, 2012 \|url-status=dead }}
MLB Player of the Week \| style="text-align:center;"\| 14 \| Sep. 22, 2001 ({{small\|with José Mesa}}); Jul. 7, 2002; May 4, 2003; Jun. 5, 2005 ({{small\|with Nick Johnson}}); May 14, 2006 ({{small\|with Nomar Garciaparra}}); Jul. 15, 2007; Aug. 24, 2008; Sep. 28, 2008; Apr. 26, 2009; Jun. 21, 2009; Jun. 5, 2011; Aug. 5, 2012; Aug. 20, 2022 ({{small\|with Paul Goldschmidt}}); Sept. 24, 2022 ({{small\|with Pete Alonso}}); \| {{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030505&content_id=305690&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named week's best \|work=MLB.com \|date=May 5, 2003 \|access-date=May 25, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151959/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030505&content_id=305690&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=December 7, 2013 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050606&content_id=1078780&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols shares player of week honors \|work=MLB.com \|date=June 6, 2005 \|access-date=June 15, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302085722/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050606&content_id=1078780&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=March 2, 2012 \|url-status=dead }} {{cite web \|last=Sahly \|first=John \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060515&content_id=1455060&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Nomar, Pujols share NL Player of Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=May 15, 2006 \|access-date=June 23, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}{{cite web \|last=Moore \|first=C. J. \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089774&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=July 16, 2007 \|access-date=June 27, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}{{cite web \|last=Clark \|first=Ronald P. \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080826&content_id=3369706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols wins NL Player of the Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=August 26, 2008 \|access-date=September 28, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615094459/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080826&content_id=3369706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=June 15, 2011 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572537&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb \|title=Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals named Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=September 29, 2008 \|access-date=July 7, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055807/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572537&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb \|archive-date=March 4, 2016 \|url-status=dead }} {{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090427&content_id=4449930&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=April 27, 2009 \|access-date=July 13, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501100951/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090427&content_id=4449930&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=May 1, 2009 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090622&content_id=5468722&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=June 22, 2009 \|access-date=July 14, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626111418/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090622&content_id=5468722&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=June 26, 2009 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|last=Drellich \|first=Evan \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110606&content_id=20112642&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols breaks out, wins NL Player of Week \|work=MLB.com \|date=June 6, 2011 \|access-date=August 1, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011022122/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110606&content_id=20112642&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl \|archive-date=October 11, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Casella \|first=Paul \|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120806&content_id=36219934&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana \|title=Pujols wins first AL Player of the Week honors \|work=MLB.com \|date=August 6, 2012 \|access-date=August 8, 2012 }}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}
National League Most Valuable Player \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \|2005, 2008, 2009 \|
National League Rookie of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2001 \|
Pacific Coast League Postseason Most Valuable Player \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2000 \|
Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| April 2010 \|
Players Choice Award for Major League Player of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| 2003, 2008, 2009 \|{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031105&content_id=599341&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols named the best by his peers \|work=MLB.com \|date=November 5, 2003 \|access-date=June 1, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151347/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031105&content_id=599341&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=December 7, 2013 \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=Walton \|first=Brian \|url=http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=2&c=804436&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2f2%2f804436.html \|title=1B Albert Pujols: Adds Players Choice Player of the Year Award \|work=scout.com \|date=October 24, 2008 \|access-date=July 8, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702102942/http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=2&c=804436&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2f2%2f804436.html \|archive-date=July 2, 2013 \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|last=Frisaro \|first=Joe \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7582004&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols given top honor by his peers \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=October 30, 2009 \|access-date=July 19, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121219/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7582004&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=September 26, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}
Players Choice Award for Marvin Miller Man of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2006 \|{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736621&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols, Carpenter draw peers' kudos \|work=MLB.com \|date=November 8, 2006 \|access-date=June 29, 2012}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}
Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Player \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| 2003, 2008, 2009 \| {{cite web\|last=Leach\|first=Matthew\|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081021&content_id=3635504&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl\|title=Players pick Pujols as NL's best\|work=Cardinals.MLB.com\|date=October 21, 2008\|access-date=July 19, 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102174722/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081021&content_id=3635504&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl\|archive-date=November 2, 2012\|url-status=live}}
Rawlings Gold Glove Award at first base \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \|2006, 2010 \|
Roberto Clemente Award \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2008 \|
Silver Slugger Award \| style="text-align:center;"\| 6 \| {{small\|*at 3B:}} 2001; {{small\|at OF:}} 2003; {{small\|at 1B:*}} 2004, 2008−10 \| {{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|date=November 2, 2004 \|title=Cards nab two Silver Sluggers \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041102&content_id=909316&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|access-date=June 13, 2012 \|work=MLB.com}}{{dead link\|date=October 2024\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}{{cite web \|last=Leach \|first=Matthew \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16067120&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols, Holliday rewarded with Silver Sluggers \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=November 11, 2010 \|access-date=July 26, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008100350/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16067120&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl \|archive-date=October 8, 2012 \|df=mdy-all }}
The Sporting News Player of the Decade \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2000−09 \|{{cite web \|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-mlb-athlete-decade-albert-pujols-1b-cardinals \|title=Sporting News' MLB Athlete of the Decade: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals \|work=The Sporting News \|date=September 24, 2009 \|access-date=July 19, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211160911/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-mlb-athlete-decade-albert-pujols-1b-cardinals \|archive-date=February 11, 2010 \|url-status=dead \|df=mdy-all }}{{cite web \|last=González \|first=Alden \|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7131546&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|title=Pujols is TSN's Player of the Decade \|work=Cardinals.MLB.com \|date=September 24, 2009 \|access-date=July 19, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927065046/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7131546&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl \|archive-date=September 27, 2009 \|df=mdy-all }}
The Sporting News Player of the Year \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| 2003, 2008, 2009 \|
Sports Illustrated Player of the Decade \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| 2000−09 \|{{cite magazine \|last=Rolfe \|first=John \|title=2000s: Top 20 Male Athletes \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=December 22, 2009 \|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/21/top.male.athletes/index.html \|access-date=December 29, 2009\| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100105071040/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/21/top.male.athletes/index.html\| archive-date= January 5, 2010 \| url-status= dead}}{{cite magazine \|last=Posnanski \|first=Joe \|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/mlb.all.decade.team/index.html \|title=All-Decade Team: MLB \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=December 9, 2009 \|access-date=July 19, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316152210/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/mlb.all.decade.team/index.html \|archive-date=March 16, 2010 \|url-status=dead }}

class="wikitable"

|+ Awards received

style="background:#ccf;"|Name of award

! style="background:#ccf;"|{{Tooltip|Times|Number of times achieved}}

! style="background:#ccf;"|Dates

! style="background:#ccf;"|{{Tooltip|Ref|References}}

Baseball America Major League Player of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2005

ESPY Award for Best International Athlete

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

|2005, 2006

ESPY Award for Best MLB Player

| style="text-align:center;"| 4

| 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010

| {{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090719&content_id=5952492&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols wins ESPY for Best Baseball Player |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 20, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925203951/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090719&content_id=5952492&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}

Fielding Bible Award at first base

| style="text-align:center;"| 5

|2006−09, 2011

|{{cite web |title=The 2011 Awards |url=http://fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp |work=fieldingbible.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102034331/http://www.fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |access-date=August 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}

GIBBY/This Year in Baseball Awards for Hitter of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

| 2003, 2008

|{{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Pujols named TYIB's Hitter of the Year|work=MLB.com|date=December 15, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217141046/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716757&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=December 17, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Hank Aaron Award

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

| 2003, 2009

| {{cite web |last=Footer |first=Alyson |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031022&content_id=590570&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, A-Rod win Aaron award |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=October 22, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151254/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031022&content_id=590570&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091101&content_id=7594950&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Aaron Award is latest hardware for Pujols |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=November 1, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121316/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091101&content_id=7594950&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}

Heart and Hustle Award

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2009

League Championship Series Most Valuable Player

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2004

MLB All-Star

| style="text-align:center;"| 11

| 2001, 2003−10, 2015, 2022

|{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040704&content_id=788932&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Rentería gives Cards three of a kind |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 4, 2004 |access-date=June 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008165918/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040704&content_id=788932&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050703&content_id=1113639&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards land six-pack in All-Star Game |work=MLB.com |date=July 3, 2005 |access-date=June 16, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060702&content_id=1534561&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols garners most votes in NL |work=MLB.com |date=July 2, 2006 |access-date=June 22, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070701&content_id=2059890&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named All-Star for sixth time |work=MLB.com |date=July 1, 2007 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911125913/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070701&content_id=2059890&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 11, 2007 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076111&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Ludwick named NL All-Stars |work=MLB.com |date=July 6, 2008 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817135351/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076111&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 17, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/roster/|title=2015 All-Star Game Interactive Roster|website=Major League Baseball|access-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909163618/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/roster/|archive-date=September 9, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34212004/st-louis-cardinals-albert-pujols-detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-participate-2022-mlb-all-star-game|title=St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols, Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera to participate in 2022 MLB All-Star Game|website=ESPN|date=8 July 2022 |access-date=July 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711020331/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34212004/st-louis-cardinals-albert-pujols-detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-participate-2022-mlb-all-star-game|archive-date=July 11, 2022|url-status=live}}

MLB Player of the Month

| style="text-align:center;"| 7

|May 2003, June 2003, April 2006, April 2009,
June 2009, August 2010, June 2015

| {{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030602&content_id=350520&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols is NL Player of the Month |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=June 2, 2003 |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207150845/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030602&content_id=350520&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030702&content_id=405752&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols takes back-to-back months |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 2, 2003 |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207145536/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030702&content_id=405752&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Klemish |first=Dawn |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060502&content_id=1429895&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols earns NL Player of Month |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=May 2, 2006 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302092649/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060502&content_id=1429895&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Tom |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4571044&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols honored as April's top NL hitter |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=May 5, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703&content_id=5674416&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named NL Player of the Month |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302090822/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703%26content_id=5674416%26vkey=news_stl%26fext=.jsp%26c_id=stl |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

MLB Player of the Week

| style="text-align:center;"| 14

| Sep. 22, 2001 ({{small|with José Mesa}});
Jul. 7, 2002; May 4, 2003;
Jun. 5, 2005 ({{small|with Nick Johnson}});
May 14, 2006 ({{small|with Nomar Garciaparra}});
Jul. 15, 2007; Aug. 24, 2008;
Sep. 28, 2008; Apr. 26, 2009;
Jun. 21, 2009; Jun. 5, 2011;
Aug. 5, 2012; Aug. 20, 2022 ({{small|with Paul Goldschmidt}});
Sept. 24, 2022 ({{small|with Pete Alonso}});

| {{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030505&content_id=305690&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named week's best |work=MLB.com |date=May 5, 2003 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151959/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030505&content_id=305690&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050606&content_id=1078780&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols shares player of week honors |work=MLB.com |date=June 6, 2005 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302085722/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050606&content_id=1078780&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
{{cite web |last=Sahly |first=John |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060515&content_id=1455060&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Nomar, Pujols share NL Player of Week |work=MLB.com |date=May 15, 2006 |access-date=June 23, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Moore |first=C. J. |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089774&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |date=July 16, 2007 |access-date=June 27, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Ronald P. |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080826&content_id=3369706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols wins NL Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |date=August 26, 2008 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615094459/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080826&content_id=3369706&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572537&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals named Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |date=September 29, 2008 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055807/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572537&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}
{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090427&content_id=4449930&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |date=April 27, 2009 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501100951/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090427&content_id=4449930&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=May 1, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090622&content_id=5468722&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named NL Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |date=June 22, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626111418/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090622&content_id=5468722&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 26, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Drellich |first=Evan |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110606&content_id=20112642&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols breaks out, wins NL Player of Week |work=MLB.com |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011022122/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110606&content_id=20112642&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Casella |first=Paul |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120806&content_id=36219934&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |title=Pujols wins first AL Player of the Week honors |work=MLB.com |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

National League Most Valuable Player

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

|2005, 2008, 2009

National League Rookie of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2001

Pacific Coast League Postseason Most Valuable Player

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2000

Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| April 2010

Players Choice Award for Major League Player of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| 2003, 2008, 2009

|{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031105&content_id=599341&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols named the best by his peers |work=MLB.com |date=November 5, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207151347/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20031105&content_id=599341&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=Walton |first=Brian |url=http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=2&c=804436&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2f2%2f804436.html |title=1B Albert Pujols: Adds Players Choice Player of the Year Award |work=scout.com |date=October 24, 2008 |access-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702102942/http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=2&c=804436&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2f2%2f804436.html |archive-date=July 2, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Frisaro |first=Joe |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7582004&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols given top honor by his peers |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926121219/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7582004&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}

Players Choice Award for Marvin Miller Man of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2006

|{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736621&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Carpenter draw peers' kudos |work=MLB.com |date=November 8, 2006 |access-date=June 29, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Player

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| 2003, 2008, 2009

| {{cite web|last=Leach|first=Matthew|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081021&content_id=3635504&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Players pick Pujols as NL's best|work=Cardinals.MLB.com|date=October 21, 2008|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102174722/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081021&content_id=3635504&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=live}}

Rawlings Gold Glove Award at first base

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

|2006, 2010

Roberto Clemente Award

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2008

Silver Slugger Award

| style="text-align:center;"| 6

| {{small|at 3B:}} 2001; {{small|at OF:}} 2003; {{small|at 1B:}} 2004, 2008−10

| {{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |date=November 2, 2004 |title=Cards nab two Silver Sluggers |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20041102&content_id=909316&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |access-date=June 13, 2012 |work=MLB.com}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16067120&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Holliday rewarded with Silver Sluggers |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=November 11, 2010 |access-date=July 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008100350/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16067120&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}

The Sporting News Player of the Decade

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2000−09

|{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-mlb-athlete-decade-albert-pujols-1b-cardinals |title=Sporting News' MLB Athlete of the Decade: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals |work=The Sporting News |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211160911/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-09-24/sporting-news-mlb-athlete-decade-albert-pujols-1b-cardinals |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |last=González |first=Alden |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7131546&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols is TSN's Player of the Decade |work=Cardinals.MLB.com |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927065046/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7131546&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 27, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}

The Sporting News Player of the Year

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| 2003, 2008, 2009

Sports Illustrated Player of the Decade

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| 2000−09

|{{cite magazine |last=Rolfe |first=John |title=2000s: Top 20 Male Athletes |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=December 22, 2009 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/21/top.male.athletes/index.html |access-date=December 29, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100105071040/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/21/top.male.athletes/index.html| archive-date= January 5, 2010 | url-status= dead}}{{cite magazine |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/mlb.all.decade.team/index.html |title=All-Decade Team: MLB |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316152210/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/mlb.all.decade.team/index.html |archive-date=March 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

class="wikitable" \|+ National League statistical leader
style="background:#ccf;"\|Category ! style="background:#ccf;"\|{{Tooltip\|Times\|Number of times achieved}} ! style="background:#ccf;"\|Seasons
Batting champion \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| style="text-align:center;"\|2003
Doubles leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2003
Extra base hits leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 4 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010
Hits leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2003
Home run leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2009, 2010
On-base percentage leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2009
On-base plus slugging leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2006, 2008, 2009
OPS+ leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 4 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
Runs batted in leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 1 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2010
Runs scored leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 5 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2003−05, 2009, 2010
Slugging percentage leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 3 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2006, 2008, 2009
Total bases leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 4 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009
Grounded into double plays leader \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2 \| style="text-align:center;"\| 2007, 2011

class="wikitable"

|+ National League statistical leader

style="background:#ccf;"|Category

! style="background:#ccf;"|{{Tooltip|Times|Number of times achieved}}

! style="background:#ccf;"|Seasons

Batting champion

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| style="text-align:center;"|2003

Doubles leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| style="text-align:center;"| 2003

Extra base hits leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 4

| style="text-align:center;"| 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010

Hits leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| style="text-align:center;"| 2003

Home run leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

| style="text-align:center;"| 2009, 2010

On-base percentage leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| style="text-align:center;"| 2009

On-base plus slugging leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| style="text-align:center;"| 2006, 2008, 2009

OPS+ leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 4

| style="text-align:center;"| 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010

Runs batted in leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 1

| style="text-align:center;"| 2010

Runs scored leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 5

| style="text-align:center;"| 2003−05, 2009, 2010

Slugging percentage leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 3

| style="text-align:center;"| 2006, 2008, 2009

Total bases leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 4

| style="text-align:center;"| 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009

Grounded into double plays leader

| style="text-align:center;"| 2

| style="text-align:center;"| 2007, 2011

Notes: Through 2017 season. Per Baseball-Reference.com.

Other endeavors

=Business ventures=

In 2006, Pujols and the Hanon family opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill, a restaurant located in Westport Plaza of Maryland Heights, Missouri.{{cite web|last=Massey|first=Dawn|url=https://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/dining/story/A7C63E16936FE2DE862571D900734BBE?OpenDocument|title=Pujols Swings, and it's a grand ... opening|work=St. Louis Post Dispatch|access-date=September 2, 2006|date=August 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901235132/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/dining/story/A7C63E16936FE2DE862571D900734BBE?OpenDocument|archive-date=September 1, 2006|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} A 10-foot, 1,100-lb. statue of Pujols was dedicated on November 2, 2011, outside the restaurant. An anonymous donor commissioned sculptor Harry Weber to create the statue, which belongs to the Pujols Family Foundation.{{cite web |last=Frankel |first=Todd C. |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_0392e020-056d-11e1-8953-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Albert Pujols statue unveiled at West Port Plaza |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=November 2, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726121518/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_0392e020-056d-11e1-8953-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-date=July 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Peterson |first=Deb |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/deb-peterson/article_391c53b6-0027-11e1-8fc7-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Pujols statue to be dedicated at Westport Plaza |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 26, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702213707/https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/deb-peterson/article_391c53b6-0027-11e1-8fc7-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |url-status=live }} After Pujols signed with the Angels, the restaurant was renamed the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Grill.{{cite web |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/02/pujols-name-dropped-from-restaurant-statue-to-remain.html |title=St. Louis restaurant drops Albert Pujols' name, but statue stays |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405104555/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/02/pujols-name-dropped-from-restaurant-statue-to-remain.html |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}

In 2008, Pujols teamed up with St. Louis Soccer United, a group looking to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to the St. Louis area.{{cite web|last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081118&content_id=3683998&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols helping to bring MLS to St. Louis |work=MLB.com |date=November 18, 2008 |access-date=July 11, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} However, the group's bid for a franchise was unsuccessful, and a USL team (Saint Louis FC) was formed.{{cite web |last=Quarstad |first=Brian |url=http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/01/17/ac-st-louis-closes-its-doors-for-good/ |title=AC St. Louis Closes its Doors for Good |work=IMS Soccer News |date=January 17, 2011 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723130747/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/01/17/ac-st-louis-closes-its-doors-for-good/ |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

=Charitable work=

File:Albert Pujols Restoring Honor Rally.jpg's "Restoring Honor" rally]]

In 2005, Albert and Deidre Pujols launched the Pujols Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to their "commitment to faith, family and others." The organization promotes awareness of Down syndrome and works to support those who have it and their families, aids the poor in the Dominican Republic, and supports people with disabilities and/or life-threatening illnesses.{{cite web|url=http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/foundation.htm|title=Mission Statement|work=Pujols Family Foundation|access-date=August 10, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050516233919/http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/foundation.htm|archive-date=May 16, 2005|df=mdy-all}} Among other activities, the foundation hosts events for people with Down syndrome. The foundation gave the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis the resources to open an office and hire staff. In 2009, the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome opened in Chesterfield, Missouri;{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Alden|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6645428&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=Medical center to bear Pujols' name|work=MLB.com|date=August 27, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008101522/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6645428&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} Pujols was present at the opening on November 18.{{cite web|url=http://stltoday.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=26813877&event=892292&CategoryID=38578|title=Pujols launches Downs Syndrome center|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=November 19, 2009|access-date=September 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001081555/http://stltoday.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=26813877&event=892292&CategoryID=38578|archive-date=October 1, 2011|url-status=live}} The foundation hosts an annual "All Stars Basketball Game" with down syndrome players at Missouri Baptist University.{{cite web |url=http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/event/alberts-all-star-basketball-game/ |title=Albert's All Star Basketball GamePujols Family Foundation |website=Pujols Family Foundation |date=14 December 2018 |language=en-US |access-date=2019-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129010824/http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/event/alberts-all-star-basketball-game/ |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Pujols has taken several trips to the Dominican Republic, by taking supplies as well as a team of doctors and dentists to the poor who need medical care.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} The Pujols Family Foundation also holds an annual golf tournament to raise money to send dentists to the Dominican Republic.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3439416&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Weather holds up for Pujols' golf event |last=Leach |first=Matthew |date=September 8, 2008 |website=MLB.com |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008101654/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3439416&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

In 2009, Pujols donated money to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament, allowing the event to occur after a sponsor backed out.{{cite web |last=Mayo |first=Jonathan |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7618272&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols steps up for Coolbaugh family |work=MLB.com |date=November 4, 2009 |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108104505/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7618272&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 8, 2009 |url-status=dead }} On August 28, 2010, Pujols and La Russa attended Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington, D.C., after being assured by Beck that the rally was not political. During the rally, Pujols was presented with a medal for his off-the-field efforts.{{cite web|last=Lambrecht|first=Bill|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_75ec5a21-1978-5ba0-a71b-d99c6109ad8e.html|title=Pujols, at D.C. rally, is honored for his charity work|work=Stltoday.com|date=August 28, 2010|access-date=September 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912005254/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_75ec5a21-1978-5ba0-a71b-d99c6109ad8e.html|archive-date=September 12, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Boren |first=Cindy |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/early-lead/2010/08/glenn_beck_rally_albert_pujols.html |title=Glenn Beck rally: Albert Pujols, Tony La Russa scheduled to appear |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 27, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005092523/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/early-lead/2010/08/glenn_beck_rally_albert_pujols.html |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Personal life

Pujols married Deidre Pujols on January 1, 2000.{{cite web |url=http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/about/deidre-pujols.htm |title=Deidre Pujols |work=Pujols Family Foundation |access-date=August 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415172300/http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/about/deidre-pujols.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} They have five children.{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111208&content_id=26128048&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |title=Angels reach agreement in principle with Albert Pujols |work=MLB.com |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213100721/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111208&content_id=26128048&vkey=news_ana&c_id=ana |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |url-status=dead }} After 22 years of marriage, Pujols filed for divorce on April 4, 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.{{Cite web |last=Geddes |first=Nick |date=2022-04-06 |title=New Details Emerge In Albert Pujols Divorce Case |url=https://www.outkick.com/new-details-emerge-in-albert-pujols-divorce-case/ |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=Outkick.com}} Pujols is a devout evangelical Christian. He became an evangelical Christian on November 13, 1998, influenced in part by Deidre and his grandmother.{{cite web |last=Knox |first=Andrew |url=http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/sports/700club_albertpujols080206.aspx |title=Albert Pujols: A Hero's Worship |work=Cbn.com |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019173210/http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/sports/700club_albertpujols080206.aspx |archive-date=October 19, 2011 |url-status=live }} During his first tenure with the Cardinals, Pujols and his family attended West County Community Church, a Southern Baptist church in Wildwood, Missouri.{{cite web|last=Baysinger|first=Bob|title=Cardinals' Pujols is 'the real deal,' is growing in faith, his pastor says|url=http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=4649|work=BPSports.net|publisher=Southern Baptist Convention|access-date=February 11, 2011|date=September 23, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723032124/http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=4649|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

On September 3, 2023, Pujols married Nicole Fernandez, the daughter of former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández. The two had been dating since October 2022, shortly before Pujols’ playing career ended.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

During his playing days, even with the Angels and Dodgers, Pujols lived in St. Louis during the offseason.{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Michael |url=http://www.foxsportswest.com/09/16/12/DeidrePujols-gives-birth-to-daughter/landing.html?blockID=791337&feedID=3707 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124023833/http://www.foxsportswest.com/09/16/12/DeidrePujols-gives-birth-to-daughter/landing.html?blockID=791337&feedID=3707 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=Deidre Pujols gives birth to daughter |work=FS West |date=September 16, 2012 |access-date=September 17, 2012 }} He owned a home in Irvine, California, but put it up for sale in 2016.{{cite web | last=Leitereg | first=Neal J. | title=Angels' Albert Pujols puts his Irvine mansion up for sale at $7.75 million | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2016-02-19 | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-albert-pujols-house-20160219-story.html | access-date=2024-10-26}} Pujols is a supporter of people with Down syndrome, a condition his daughter Isabella was born with.{{Cite book |title=Pujols: More than the Game |last1=Lamb |first1=Scott |last2=Ellsworth |first2=Tim |publisher=Thomas Nelson |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59555-224-2 |location=Nashville |pages=[https://archive.org/details/pujolsmorethanga00lamb/page/159 159–160] |url=https://archive.org/details/pujolsmorethanga00lamb/page/159 }} In 2007, Pujols became a U.S. citizen,{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070208&content_id=1798239&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Pujols officially becomes U.S. citizen|first=Matthew|last=Leach|work=MLB.com|date=February 8, 2007|access-date=August 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106020019/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070208&content_id=1798239&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=live}} scoring a perfect 100 on his citizenship test.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2758836|title=Pujols scores perfect on citizenship test, takes oath|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN|date=February 8, 2007|access-date=August 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729004845/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2758836|archive-date=July 29, 2013|url-status=live}}

Pujols is close friends with third baseman Plácido Polanco, a former teammate with the Cardinals. Polanco has called Pujols his "closest friend in baseball", and Pujols is the godfather to Polanco's son, Ishmael.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs2006/columns/story?id=2635875 |title=Pujols is godfather to Polanco's son |last=Rojas |first=Enrique |date=October 23, 2006 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106113831/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2006/columns/story?id=2635875 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=live }} Pujols is also friends with Robinson Canó, who selected Mark Trumbo for the 2012 Home Run Derby after being asked to by Pujols.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120702&content_id=34329970¬ebook_id=34332302&vkey=notebook_ana&c_id=ana |title=Pujols' request helped Trumbo land in Derby |work=MLB.com |date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=July 14, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Notes

References

External links

{{sister project links|d=Q148726|c=Category:Albert Pujols|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no|species=no}}

{{Baseballstats|br=p/pujolal01|mlb=405395|espn=4574|fangraphs=1177|brm=pujols001jos|retro=P/Ppujoa001}}

[http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/ Pujols Family Foundation official website]
[https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/albert-pujols/ Albert Pujols] at SABR Bio Project

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