José Alberto Pujols Alcántara, nicknamed "the Machine", is a former professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Pujols played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball as a first baseman and designated hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
1920: Historical Context of RBI Records
By 1920, the RBIs became an officially recognized statistic in Major League Baseball. The official MLB list for RBIs doesn't include figures from before 1920.
1929: Oldest Player to Make Pitching Debut
In a game against the San Francisco Giants, Pujols made his pitching debut, becoming the oldest player to do so since 1929.
1930: Wally Berger's 20 Home Runs Before July
Wally Berger, in 1930, achieved the feat of hitting 20 or more home runs before July in his rookie year, a testament to his exceptional hitting ability.
1955: First Cardinals Rookie All-Star Since Luis Arroyo
Pujols became the first Cardinals rookie since Luis Arroyo in 1955 to be selected for the All-Star Game, highlighting his immediate impact on the team.
January 16, 1980: Birth of Albert Pujols
On January 16, 1980, José Alberto Pujols Alcántara, widely recognized as Albert Pujols, was born. He would become a prominent figure in baseball history.
1995: Albert Belle's Historic Walk-Off Home Runs
In 1995, Albert Belle accomplished a rare feat by hitting consecutive extra-inning walk-off home runs, a testament to his exceptional hitting ability and clutch performance. This accomplishment remained unique until Albert Pujols matched it in 2011, further emphasizing the significance of both players' achievements.
1996: Immigration to the United States
In 1996, Pujols, along with his father and grandmother, immigrated to the United States, settling first in New York City and later in Independence, Missouri.
November 13, 1998: Pujols Becomes a Christian
On November 13, 1998, Albert Pujols converted to evangelical Christianity, influenced by his wife Deidre and his grandmother.
December 1998: High School Graduation and Baseball Scholarship
Pujols graduated high school a semester early in December 1998 and received a baseball scholarship to Maple Woods Community College.
1999: Record-Breaking On-Base Streak by Pujols
In 1999, Albert Pujols set a record for the longest on-base streak to start a season, a feat that remained unmatched until Pujols himself surpassed it in 2008. This early display of consistency and plate discipline foreshadowed his future dominance in Major League Baseball.
1999: Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals
In the 1999 MLB Draft, Pujols was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round. Despite initially declining a bonus, he eventually signed with the team.
January 1, 2000: Pujols Marries Deidre
Albert Pujols and Deidre were married on January 1, 2000. They have five children together.
2000: Minor League Career and MVP Honors
Pujols began his professional career in the minor leagues in 2000, playing for various teams and earning MVP honors in the Midwest League and the Pacific Coast League playoffs.
2001: Promotion to Major League Roster
Pujols' impressive performance in spring training in 2001 led to his promotion to the St. Louis Cardinals' major league roster, where he would begin his remarkable MLB career.
2001: Cardinals' Playoff Run and Pujols' Game-Winning Home Run
The St. Louis Cardinals reached the playoffs in 2001, with Pujols hitting a game-winning home run against Randy Johnson in the NLDS. Despite their efforts, the Cardinals were eliminated in five games.
2001: Position Change and Early Success
In 2001, Albert Pujols showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions.
2001: First All-Star Selection and Rookie of the Year
Pujols earned his first All-Star selection in 2001, marking the beginning of a long streak of appearances. He was also unanimously recognized as the National League Rookie of the Year.
2002: Breakthrough Season and Lineup Shift
In 2002, Pujols became the Cardinals' primary left fielder and was moved to the third spot in the batting lineup, a position he held for the remainder of his time with the team. He achieved the impressive feat of hitting 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the second consecutive season. His exceptional performance helped the Cardinals secure the NL Central title and earned him a second-place finish in MVP voting.
2002: Playoff Performance and NLCS Run
Pujols's contributions were instrumental in the Cardinals' playoff run in 2002. They swept the Diamondbacks in the NLDS, with Pujols recording three hits and three RBIs. Although they lost to the Giants in the NLCS, Pujols maintained a strong performance with five hits, one home run, and two RBIs.
2003: All-Star Selection and Historic Home Runs
In 2003, Pujols was selected for his first All-Star game, marking the beginning of eight consecutive appearances. He achieved a 30-game hitting streak and hit his 100th career home run, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to reach this milestone in his third season.
2003: All-Star Selection
Pujols was selected for the All-Star game in 2003, marking his second appearance in this prestigious event.
February 20, 2004: Contract Extension and Position Change
On February 20, 2004, Pujols' exceptional performance earned him a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Cardinals. This lucrative deal included a club option for 2011 and no-trade provisions. Additionally, he transitioned to first base after the Cardinals traded Tino Martinez.
2005: National League MVP Award
Albert Pujols was honored as the National League's Most Valuable Player in 2005, a testament to his exceptional performance.
2005: MVP Season and Continued Success
By 2005, Pujols was widely regarded as one of the best Cardinals players since Stan Musial. He continued his remarkable performance, hitting his 100th RBI of the season and becoming one of only four players in MLB history to achieve this milestone in their first five seasons. He also reached his 200th career home run, solidifying his place among the game's elite hitters. His exceptional season culminated in winning the prestigious NL MVP award.
2005: Pujols Family Foundation Launched
In 2005, Albert and Deidre Pujols established the Pujols Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to faith, family, and community service. The foundation focuses on raising awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, providing aid to the impoverished in the Dominican Republic, and assisting those facing disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
April 2006: Consecutive Home Runs and Focus on Winning
In April 2006, Pujols achieved a rare feat by hitting home runs in four consecutive plate appearances over two games. Despite this accomplishment, Pujols remained focused on team success over personal achievements.
April 21, 2006: 1,000th Career Hit and First Disabled List Stint
On April 21, 2006, Pujols reached a significant milestone by recording his 1,000th career hit with a home run against Jerome Williams. However, the season also marked the first time in his career that he was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right oblique.
2006: Pujols Opens Restaurant
Albert Pujols and the Hanon family opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill in Westport Plaza of Maryland Heights, Missouri, in 2006. Following Pujols' signing with the Angels, the restaurant was renamed the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Grill.
2007: Pujols Becomes a US Citizen
In 2007, Albert Pujols became a U.S. citizen, achieving a perfect score on his citizenship test.
2007: Pujols Ties for Second on Cardinals' All-Time Home Run List
In a game against the Chicago Cubs on April 22, 2007, Albert Pujols hit his 255th career home run, a game-winning three-run shot against Ryan Dempster in the 10th inning, leading the Cardinals to a 12-9 victory. This accomplishment tied him with Ken Boyer for second place on the Cardinals' all-time home run list. Despite a successful season overall, Pujols experienced a relative dip in RBI, recording 103, a career low for him at that point.
2008: Pujols Achieves Career Milestones and Faces Injury
Albert Pujols began 2008 with a remarkable 42-game on-base streak, the longest to start a season since 1999. However, his season was hampered by a strained left calf muscle, landing him on the 15-day disabled list in June. Despite this setback, Pujols achieved significant milestones, hitting his 300th home run on July 4th against Bob Howry and recording his 100th RBI of the season on September 11th against Rich Harden. This achievement marked him as the third player in MLB history to begin his career with eight consecutive seasons of at least 100 RBIs.
2008: Pujols Wins Second NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Roberto Clemente Award
In 2008, Albert Pujols had another standout year, finishing second in batting average with .357 and achieving high rankings in several other offensive categories. He earned his second National League MVP award, his fourth Silver Slugger award, and was recognized for his contributions off the field with the Roberto Clemente Award. He also considered undergoing Tommy John surgery but opted for nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow.
2008: Pujols Named Most Feared Hitter
In 2008, a poll of all 30 MLB managers named Albert Pujols as the most feared hitter in baseball. He also received high praise from his peers and coaches, including Tony La Russa, Joey Votto, Larry Walker, Brendan Ryan, and Fernando Viña.
2008: Second National League MVP Award
Pujols secured his second National League MVP Award in 2008, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in baseball.
April 25, 2009: Pujols Reaches 1,000 RBIs and Sets Cardinals Grand Slam Record
On April 25, 2009, Albert Pujols reached a significant career milestone by recording his 1,000th RBI with a grand slam in a game against the Chicago Cubs. This achievement solidified his reputation as one of the most productive hitters in the league. Later that season, he would hit his 10th career grand slam, surpassing Stan Musial's franchise record for the St. Louis Cardinals, and also hit his 350th career home run, becoming the third-fastest player to reach that milestone.
2009: Third National League MVP Award
In 2009, Pujols achieved his third National League MVP Award, a rare feat that highlighted his consistent excellence.
2009: Pujols Opens Wellness Center
On November 18, 2009, the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome was opened in Chesterfield, Missouri. Albert Pujols was present at the opening ceremony. The center was made possible with support from the Pujols Family Foundation.
2009: Pujols Supports Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament
In 2009, Albert Pujols made a financial contribution to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament, ensuring the event could proceed after losing a sponsor.
2009: Single-Season Assist Record for a First Baseman
In the 2009 MLB season, Pujols demonstrated his defensive prowess by setting a single-season record for assists by a first baseman with an impressive 185 assists.
April 2010: Pujols Earns First Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award
In April 2010, Pujols received his first Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award. He hit .348 for the month and excelled under pressure, batting .583 with runners on base in late and close game situations. Later that year, he would hit his 400th career home run, becoming the third youngest player to reach that milestone, and record his 10th consecutive 100-RBI season, joining an exclusive group of players. He also surpassed Stan Musial's Cardinals franchise record for multi-home run games.
August 28, 2010: Pujols Attends "Restoring Honor" Rally
Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa attended Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 2010. Beck assured them that the rally was not politically motivated. Pujols was awarded a medal at the event for his contributions off the field.
2010: All-Star Selection
Continuing his streak of success, Pujols was named an All-Star in 2010, demonstrating his sustained excellence in the sport.
June 2011: Last Walk-Off Home Run as a Cardinal
Pujols' last walk-off home run as a St. Louis Cardinal was in June 2011.
November 2, 2011: Pujols Statue Dedication
On November 2, 2011, a 10-foot, 1,100-lb. statue of Albert Pujols, commissioned by an anonymous donor, was dedicated outside the Pujols 5 Westport Grill. The statue, created by sculptor Harry Weber, now belongs to the Pujols Family Foundation.
2011: Pujols Overcomes Slow Start, Contract Negotiations Fail
Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals failed to agree on a contract extension before the 2011 season. Despite a slow start offensively, Pujols recovered to hit 30 home runs in his final 117 games, including consecutive walk-off home runs against the Chicago Cubs. However, a wrist injury in June sidelined him for a month. He reached the milestone of 2,000 career hits on July 30th, becoming the 12th-fastest player to achieve this feat. The Cardinals went on to win the World Series, overcoming a 10.5 game deficit to claim the Wild Card.
2011: Pujols Signs with the Los Angeles Angels
After failing to reach a contract agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Pujols became a free agent following the 2011 season. Despite receiving a 10-year, $210 million offer from the Cardinals, Pujols opted to sign a 10-year deal worth approximately $254 million with the Los Angeles Angels.
2012: Pujols Experiences Ups and Downs in First Season with Angels
Albert Pujols struggled offensively early in the 2012 season, his first with the Los Angeles Angels. However, his performance improved after the team called up Mike Trout and fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. Pujols finished the season with a .285 batting average, the lowest of his career at that point.
2012: Pujols Influences Home Run Derby Selection
Demonstrating their close friendship, Albert Pujols requested that Robinson Canó choose Mark Trumbo for the 2012 Home Run Derby, which Canó did.
August 2013: Public Accusation of PED Use
In August 2013, Jack Clark, a former Cardinals player, publicly accused Pujols of using performance-enhancing drugs. Pujols vehemently denied these accusations.
August 19, 2013: Season-Ending Foot Injury
On August 19, 2013, Albert Pujols was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a foot injury.
October 4, 2013: Defamation Lawsuit Filed
On October 4, 2013, Pujols filed a defamation lawsuit against Jack Clark for allegations of PED use.
February 10, 2014: Clark Retracts Accusations and Apologizes
On February 10, 2014, Jack Clark publicly apologized and retracted his accusations about Pujols using PEDs, leading to Pujols dropping the defamation lawsuit.
April 22, 2014: 499th and 500th Home Runs
Albert Pujols hit his 499th and 500th home runs on April 22, 2014, off Taylor Jordan at Nationals Park. He became the 26th player to achieve this milestone, the third youngest to do so, and the only one to hit home runs 499 and 500 in the same game.
2014: Postseason Appearance and Dominican Winter League
In 2021, Pujols made his first postseason appearance since 2014, after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following the MLB season, Pujols announced his intention to play for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) during the offseason.
2014: Angels' AL West Victory and Postseason Drought
The Angels won the American League West Division title in 2014. Despite having Pujols on their roster, the team did not win any postseason games during his entire time with the Angels.
June 2015: AL Player of the Month and All-Star Selection
Pujols was named the American League Player of the Month in June 2015 after an impressive performance that included a league-leading 13 home runs. This was his first monthly award as an Angel and seventh overall. He was also selected for the All-Star Game, marking his 10th selection and first as an Angel.
2015: 20 Home Runs Before July
By 2015, Pujols joined a select group of players, including Wally Berger (1930) and Joc Pederson (2015), who hit 20 or more home runs before July in their rookie year.
2015: All-Star Selection
After a brief hiatus, Pujols returned to the All-Star game in 2015, showcasing his enduring talent and impact on the game.
April 30, 2016: 10,000 Career Plate Appearances
On April 30, 2016, Pujols became the 85th player in MLB history to achieve 10,000 career plate appearances.
2016: Criticism of Pujols' Contract
In 2016, sportswriter Joe Posnanski critically assessed Albert Pujols' contract with the Los Angeles Angels, deeming it a "cautionary tale against big contracts" in baseball. Posnanski pointed to Pujols' declining performance as an overpaid designated hitter for a struggling Angels team.
2016: Pujols Sells Irvine Home
Despite playing for the Angels and Dodgers, Pujols maintained his residence in St. Louis during the offseasons. He decided to sell his Irvine, California, home in 2016.
June 3, 2017: 600th Home Run
On June 3, 2017, Pujols hit his 600th career home run off Ervin Santana, becoming the ninth player in MLB history to reach this milestone. He achieved this feat at the fourth-youngest age, following Alex Rodriguez, Babe Ruth, and Hank Aaron. This also marked the first instance of a player hitting a grand slam for their 600th home run.
May 4, 2018: 3,000th Hit
Albert Pujols achieved his 3,000th major league hit on May 4, 2018, against Mike Leake of the Seattle Mariners.
August 7, 2018: Impact of Defensive Shifts on Pujols' Performance
In an article published on August 7, 2018, ESPN sportswriter Alden Gonzalez analyzed the impact of defensive shifts on Albert Pujols' hitting performance. Gonzalez argued that the increasing use of shifts in baseball had a detrimental effect on Pujols' ability to get hits, particularly as he aged.
2018: 3,000th Career Hit
Pujols achieved a significant milestone in 2018 by recording his 3,000th career hit, solidifying his place among baseball's elite hitters.
May 9, 2019: 2,000th RBI Milestone
On May 9, 2019, Albert Pujols hit his 2,000th RBI, a significant milestone in his career. This achievement, a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers, placed him among the top four players in Major League history to reach this milestone.
2020: Oldest Player in the League and RBI Record
At the start of the 2020 season, Pujols, at age 40, became the oldest active player in the Major Leagues. During the season, on August 24th, he achieved another remarkable feat: surpassing Alex Rodriguez to secure the second position on the all-time RBIs list. With a single against the Astros, he reached 2,087 RBIs, trailing only Hank Aaron's 2,297.
2020: Slowest Sprint Speed
Despite a successful season in terms of milestones, data revealed that Pujols, in 2020, had the slowest sprint speed among all Major League players, clocking in at 22.0 feet per second.
May 6, 2021: Departure from the Angels
Pujols' time with the Los Angeles Angels came to an end on May 6, 2021, when the team designated him for assignment. Despite hitting five home runs, his overall performance was considered underwhelming, leading to his departure after a successful tenure with the team.
May 17, 2021: Joining the Dodgers and Jersey Number Change
On May 17, 2021, Pujols joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a new chapter in his career. Unable to wear his iconic number 5, already assigned to Corey Seager, he opted for number 55. This choice was a tribute to his previous teams and held biblical significance for Pujols, representing "double grace."
2021: Slowest Sprint Speed and Age
For the second consecutive season, Albert Pujols recorded the slowest sprint speed among all Major League Baseball players at 22.4 feet per second. He was also the oldest player in the league.
March 28, 2022: Return to St. Louis and Final Season Announcement
On March 28, 2022, Albert Pujols made a significant announcement: he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, marking his return to the team where he achieved legendary status, and declared that 2022 would be his final season in Major League Baseball.
April 4, 2022: Pujols Files for Divorce
After 22 years of marriage, Albert Pujols filed for divorce from Deidre on April 4, 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.
August 2022: Historic Performance at Age 42
In August 2022, Pujols, at 42 years old, achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player in MLB history to record four hits and two home runs in a single game at that age.
October 2022: Pujols Begins Dating Nicole Fernandez
Albert Pujols and Nicole Fernandez began dating in October 2022.
February 23, 2023: Post-Retirement Role with the Angels and Media Career
On February 23, 2023, the Los Angeles Angels brought Albert Pujols back into their fold, this time in an off-field capacity. He signed a 10-year personal services contract with the Angels, taking on a role as a special assistant to the organization. In addition to his role with the Angels, Pujols also embarked on a media career, becoming an analyst for MLB Network.
September 3, 2023: Pujols Marries Nicole Fernandez
Albert Pujols married Nicole Fernandez, the daughter of former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández, on September 3, 2023. They began dating in October 2022, towards the end of Pujols' baseball career.
2028: Anticipated Hall of Fame Induction
Pujols' exceptional career has led to widespread anticipation that he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2028, the first year he becomes eligible. Some speculate he might even achieve unanimous selection in his first year of eligibility, a testament to his impact on the sport.