Albert Pujols's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Albert Pujols.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

2010: Named All-Star

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.