History of Albert Pujols in Timeline

Albert Pujols, nicknamed "the Machine", is a Dominican-American former MLB first baseman and designated hitter, now managing the Leones del Escogido. He played 22 seasons with the Cardinals, Angels, and Dodgers. Widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest players, Pujols accumulated impressive statistics throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1920: MLB does not count pre-1920 RBIs

In 2020, it was mentioned that MLB does not count pre-1920 RBIs because it was not yet an official statistic.

1929: Oldest Player Since 1929 To Make Pitching Debut

On May 15, 2022, Albert Pujols made his pitching debut, becoming the oldest player to do so since 1929. He pitched in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants, giving up two home runs and four earned runs.

1930: Wally Berger hits 20+ home runs before July in rookie year

In 1930, Wally Berger hit 20 or more home runs in his rookie year before July.

1955: Luis Arroyo makes the All-Star Game

In 1955, Luis Arroyo became the first Cardinals rookie to make the All-Star Game.

1962: Tommy Davis

In 1962, Tommy Davis was the youngest player to win the NL batting title.

1962: Breaks Willie Mays' single-season record

In 1962, Willie Mays set a single-season record. Albert Pujols broke this record. No additional details are provided about Mays or the record in this entry.

January 16, 1980: Albert Pujols' Birth

On January 16, 1980, José Alberto Pujols Alcántara, later known as Albert Pujols, was born in the Dominican Republic. He became a professional baseball manager and former first baseman and designated hitter.

Others born on this day/year

1987: Cardinals last appearance in the World Series before 2004

In 2004, the Cardinals advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1987.

1995: First time since Albert Belle

In 2011, Albert Pujols hit consecutive extra-inning walk-off home runs on June 4 and 5 for the first time since Albert Belle in 1995. No other information about 1995 is mentioned in this entry.

1996: Immigration to the United States

In 1996, Albert Pujols, along with his father and grandmother, immigrated to Washington Heights in New York City, before moving to Independence, Missouri.

November 13, 1998: Became an evangelical Christian

Albert Pujols became an evangelical Christian on November 13, 1998, influenced by Deidre and his grandmother.

December 1998: Graduation and Baseball Scholarship

In December 1998, Albert Pujols graduated from high school early and received a baseball scholarship to Maple Woods Community College.

1999: Longest streak to open a season since 1999

In 2008, Albert Pujols began the season by reaching base in 42 straight games, which marked the longest streak to open a season since 1999. No additional details about the 1999 record are available in this entry.

1999: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

In the 1999 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, Albert Pujols was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round as the 402nd overall pick.

January 1, 2000: Married Deidre Pujols

On January 1, 2000, Albert Pujols married Deidre Pujols.

2000: Minor League Career Begins

In 2000, Albert Pujols started his minor league career with the Peoria Chiefs, then played with the Potomac Cannons and finished the season with the Memphis Redbirds, winning the PCL title and being named postseason MVP.

2001: Postseason Appearance and Game-Winning Home Run

In 2001, Albert Pujols and the Cardinals advanced to the NL Division Series, where Pujols hit a game-winning home run in Game 2 against the Diamondbacks on October 10th, but the team was eventually eliminated.

2001: Played several positions

In 2001, Albert Pujols played several positions for the Cardinals, showcasing his versatility on the field.

2001: Promotion to Major League Roster

In 2001, Albert Pujols was promoted to the St. Louis Cardinals' major league roster, making the Opening Day roster and playing multiple positions throughout the season.

2001: Named All-Star

In 2001, Albert Pujols was selected as an All-Star.

2002: Continued Success and Postseason Berth

In 2002, Albert Pujols continued his success, hitting his 30th home run and 100th RBI. He helped the Cardinals win the NL Central title and reach the playoffs, finishing second in MVP voting.

2002: Playoff Appearance

In 2002, Albert Pujols contributed to the Cardinals' playoff run, which included a series win against the Diamondbacks and an appearance in the NL Championship Series, where they lost to the San Francisco Giants.

2003: All-Star Selection and Hitting Streak

In 2003, Albert Pujols was named to the All-Star Game and had a 30-game hitting streak. On July 20th, he hit his 100th career home run.

2003: Named All-Star

In 2003, Albert Pujols was selected as an All-Star.

February 20, 2004: Contract Extension

On February 20, 2004, Albert Pujols signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Cardinals, including a club option for 2011.

2005: Named National League MVP

In 2005, Albert Pujols was awarded the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the first time.

2005: Named NL MVP

In 2005, Albert Pujols won his first National League MVP award. He hit his 200th career home run on September 30th.

2005: Launched Pujols Family Foundation

In 2005, Albert and Deidre Pujols launched the Pujols Family Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to faith, family, and helping others, including those with Down syndrome.

April 2006: Pujols hits home runs in four consecutive plate appearances

During two games in April 2006, Albert Pujols hit home runs in four consecutive plate appearances, becoming the 20th player to achieve this milestone. He expressed more concern for winning than personal statistics.

April 21, 2006: Pujols gets his 1,000th career hit

On April 21, 2006, Albert 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.

2006: Opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill

In 2006, Albert Pujols and the Hanon family opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill, a restaurant in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

2007: Became a U.S. citizen

In 2007, Albert Pujols became a U.S. citizen, scoring a perfect 100 on his citizenship test.

2007: Pujols ties Ken Boyer for second all-time on the Cardinals' home run list

In 2007, Albert 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). 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. He finished ninth in MVP voting, the first year he had finished outside the top five.

2008: Pujols wins second NL MVP Award

In 2008, Albert Pujols batted .357 with 187 hits, 44 doubles, 37 home runs, 116 RBI and 100 runs scored. He won his second NL MVP Award, the Silver Slugger Award for the fourth time, and was named The Sporting News Player of the Year. He also won the Roberto Clemente Award and had nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow.

2008: Pujols reaches base in 42 straight games

In 2008, Albert Pujols began the season 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. On July 4, he hit his 300th home run against Bob Howry. On September 11, he 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.

2008: Teamed up with St. Louis Soccer United

In 2008, Albert Pujols teamed up with St. Louis Soccer United, a group looking to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to St. Louis.

2008: Named National League MVP

In 2008, Albert Pujols was awarded the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second time.

2008: Named most feared hitter

In 2008, Albert Pujols was named the most feared hitter in baseball based on a poll of all 30 MLB managers.

April 25, 2009: Pujols picks up his 1,000th career RBI

On April 25, 2009, Albert Pujols picked up his 1,000th career RBI with a grand slam against David Patton in an 8–2 victory over the Cubs.

2009: Donated to Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament

In 2009, Albert Pujols donated money to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament after a sponsor backed out, ensuring the event could still take place.

2009: Set Major League Single-Season Record for Assists

In 2009, Albert Pujols set the major league single-season record for assists by a first baseman with 185, showcasing his defensive contributions.

2009: Named National League MVP

In 2009, Albert Pujols was awarded the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the third time.

2009: Opened Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome

In 2009, the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome opened in Chesterfield, Missouri; Pujols attended the opening on November 18.

April 2010: Pujols earns Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award

In April 2010, Albert Pujols earned his first Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award, batting .348 with a 1.270 OPS, three home runs, and 14 RBI with runners on base. He also performed exceptionally well in "late-and-close" situations.

August 28, 2010: Attended Restoring Honor rally

On August 28, 2010, Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa attended Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington, D.C., where Pujols was presented with a medal for his off-the-field efforts.

2010: Named All-Star

In 2010, Albert Pujols was selected as an All-Star.

2010: Location of 400th career home run

On April 22, 2014, Albert Pujols hit his 499th and 500th home runs at Nationals Park, where he had also hit his 400th career home run in the 2010 season. No additional details about 2010 are available in this entry.

June 2011: First walk-off home run since June 2011

On August 10, 2014, Albert Pujols played in MLB's longest game of the year, ending the 19-inning contest against the Red Sox with a solo home run. It was his first walk-off home run as an Angel and first since June 2011. No additional details about June 2011 are available in this entry.

November 2, 2011: Statue dedicated outside restaurant

On November 2, 2011, a 10-foot, 1,100-lb statue of Albert Pujols was dedicated outside Pujols 5 Westport Grill.

2011: Contract included a club option for 2011

Albert Pujol's contract extension signed on February 20, 2004 included a club option for 2011.

2011: Pujols signs with the Los Angeles Angels

During the 2011 offseason, Albert Pujols received offers from the Cardinals, the Miami Marlins, and the Los Angeles Angels. He rejected the Cardinals' 10-year, $210 million deal and ultimately signed a 10-year deal with the Angels worth around $254 million on December 8.

2011: Pujols struggles in first 30 games, improves later

In 2011, Albert Pujols struggled in his first 30 games, batting .231, but then batted .316 with 30 home runs in his final 117 games. He hit consecutive extra-inning walk-off home runs on June 4 and 5, and later suffered a wrist fracture on June 19, sidelining him until July 5.

2012: Asked Cano to select Trumbo for Home Run Derby

In 2012, Albert Pujols asked Robinson Canó to select Mark Trumbo for the Home Run Derby.

2012: Pujols has a slow start, then improves

In 2012, Albert Pujols had a slow start, batting .217 in April, but improved after the Angels called up Mike Trout and fired their hitting coach. By the end of the season, he batted .285 with 173 hits, 50 doubles, 30 home runs, and 105 RBIs.

August 2013: Jack Clark accuses Pujols of using performance-enhancing drugs

In August 2013, former Cardinals player Jack Clark accused Albert Pujols of having used performance-enhancing drugs on his St. Louis WGNU radio show, leading to a legal dispute. Pujols denied the allegations and threatened to sue Clark and WGNU.

August 19, 2013: Pujols ruled out for the remainder of the 2013 season due to a foot injury

On August 19, 2013, Albert Pujols was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.

October 4, 2013: Pujols files a defamation lawsuit against Jack Clark

On October 4, 2013, Albert Pujols filed a defamation lawsuit against Jack Clark, who had accused Pujols of using performance-enhancing drugs.

February 10, 2014: Clark apologizes and retracts accusations against Pujols

On February 10, 2014, Jack Clark apologized and retracted his accusations against Albert Pujols, saying he had "no knowledge whatsoever" that Pujols ever used PEDs. Pujols then dropped the lawsuit.

April 22, 2014: Pujols hits his 499th and 500th career home runs

On April 22, 2014, Albert Pujols hit his 499th and 500th home runs off Taylor Jordan of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, becoming the 26th player ever to reach the 500-home-run mark and the only player to hit Nos. 499 and 500 in the same game.

2014: Pujols finishes 2014 season

In the 2014 season, Albert Pujols batted .272 and grounded into an American League-leading 28 double plays. He later traveled to Japan to participate in the Japan All-Star Series.

June 2015: Named AL Player of the Month

In June 2015, after batting .303/.395/.737 with 13 home runs, Albert Pujols was named AL Player of the Month for the first time and seventh overall monthly award. At the time, his home run total led the major leagues and his 73 total bases tied Manny Machado for first in the AL.

2015: One of three players to hit 20+ home runs before July in rookie year

In 2015, Albert Pujols was one of three players to hit 20 or more home runs in their rookie year before July.

2015: Named All-Star

In 2015, Albert Pujols was selected as an All-Star.

April 30, 2016: Reached 10,000 career plate appearances

On April 30, 2016, Albert Pujols became the 85th player in MLB history to make 10,000 career plate appearances.

2016: Put Irvine home up for sale

In 2016, Albert Pujols put his home in Irvine, California, up for sale.

June 3, 2017: Hit 600th Career Home Run

On June 3, 2017, Albert Pujols became the ninth player in Major League history to hit at least 600 home runs, hitting a grand slam off Ervin Santana of the Minnesota Twins. He was the fourth-youngest player to achieve the feat and the first to hit a grand slam for his 600th home run.

May 4, 2018: Recorded 3,000th Major League Hit

On May 4, 2018, Albert Pujols recorded his 3,000th major league hit, against Mike Leake of the Seattle Mariners, reaching a significant career milestone.

May 9, 2019: Recorded 2,000th RBI

On May 9, 2019, Albert 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.

2020: Passed Alex Rodriguez on All-Time RBIs List

In 2020, Albert Pujols, at the age of 40, was the oldest player in the major leagues. On August 24, 2020, he passed Alex Rodriguez to reach second on the all-time RBIs list with a single against the Astros, totaling 2,087 RBIs and trailing only Hank Aaron.

May 6, 2021: Designated for Assignment by the Angels

On May 6, 2021, the Angels designated Albert Pujols for assignment, ending his tenure with the team. He was hitting .198/.250/.372 with five home runs through 24 games.

May 17, 2021: Agreed to deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Made Debut

On May 17, 2021, Albert Pujols agreed to a one-year major league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his Dodgers debut that night as the starting first baseman against the Arizona Diamondbacks, choosing number 55 as a nod to his former teams and the Bible.

March 28, 2022: Signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for Final Season

On March 28, 2022, Albert Pujols signed a one-year contract to return to the St. Louis Cardinals, announcing that 2022 would be his final season. He noted the strong fan base and quick agreement with the Cardinals.

April 4, 2022: Filed for Divorce

On April 4, 2022, Albert Pujols filed for divorce from Deidre Pujols after 22 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

October 2022: Started dating Nicole Fernandez

In October 2022, Albert Pujols began dating Nicole Fernandez, shortly before the end of his playing career.

2022: Named All-Star

In 2022, Albert Pujols was selected as an All-Star.

February 23, 2023: Hired as Special Assistant by the Angels

On February 23, 2023, the Angels hired Albert Pujols as a special assistant as part of a 10-year personal services contract. Since retiring, Pujols has also been an analyst on MLB Network.

June 2023: Named Global Ambassador of Baseball United

In June 2023, Albert Pujols was named the "official global ambassador" of Baseball United, a professional baseball organization in the Middle East and South Asia. He also reportedly has an ownership interest in the league.

September 3, 2023: Married Nicole Fernandez

On September 3, 2023, Albert Pujols married Nicole Fernandez, the daughter of former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández.

February 2024: Named Manager of Leones del Escogido

In February 2024, Albert Pujols was named the manager of the Leones del Escogido.

2028: Hall of Fame Eligibility

In 2028, Albert Pujols is expected to be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, and there is speculation he may be a unanimous selection in his first year of eligibility.