Albert Pujols

I was on my way to lunch when I heard the news that the Los Angeles Angels signed Albert Pujols for $254 million (when did they become the Los Angeles Angels? Weren’t they the Anaheim Angels? Then I heard they were the Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles, which made absolutely no sense). Like all St. Louis Cardinals fans, I was very disappointed. But unlike some, I’m not going to treat this like it was baseball’s version of “The Decision” in 2010, where LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. Cleveland felt betrayed by their hometown hero, and hatred and anger went rampant. I don’t blame Cleveland fans for feeling what they felt. And I think they felt retribution was served when “King James” and his Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

Pujols batting in our first game at Busch III

Many believe Albert Pujols is the best player in the major leagues. Cardinal fans believe that (at least, some did up until last Thursday). Rookie of the year, 3-time MVP, 3 National League pennants, and 2 World Series champonships. He holds the record of 10 consecutive seasons from the start of his career on hitting .300 with 30+ home runs and 100 RBIs. But most say that 2011 was an “off-year” for Pujols. Slumping during the season, career lows in batting average and RBIs, and missed 13 games due to injury. For most players, Pujols’ 2011 stats would be stellar. Per the New York Times, “Even when Pujols struggles, he excels.”

For me, I had hoped that Albert would have stayed a Cardinal, to be a member of a team for the duration of his career. He may hever supplant Stan Musial, but he would have been right up there with “the Man”. St. Louis adores its Cardinals. Most superstars are usually held in the highest regard by their fans, but nowhere else will you find the support and adoration like you will in St. Louis. Just ask the players, past and current: St. Louis has the best fans in baseball. I don’t think any other town will treat Pujols the same as St. Louis did. It’s disappointing to hear people are “recycling” or even burning their Pujols jerseys. I have Cardinal gear with former players’ names on them, and I still wear them; I know there are other Cardinal fans like me. So let’s be realistic and not take this change so personal like Cleveland did.

I don’t feel hatred or anger towards Pujols. Major League Baseball is a business, and I know Albert did what he felt is best for himself and for his family. For a working man, you and your family ALWAYS comes first. Forget the millions of dollars here for once. If I’m in a position where I excel at my job, and someone else wants to hire me, pay me more, and possibly give me something more that I currently have, I will seriously consider leaving my current employer to join a new team. It will sadden me to leave the group that I have worked with day in and day out and have grown close to, but ultimately, I must put myself and my family first when it comes to a change in my career.

And Albert is an extraordinary person. He is a better person than me when it comes to charitable work. He and his wife Deidre established the Pujols Family Foundation to help those with Down Syndrome (something Deidre’s daughter was born with), and it also aids the poor in his home country of the Dominican Republic. And he is actively involved, whether it be a prom for his friends or delivering supplies to his homeland. To get a better understanding of Albert Pujols outside of baseball, you must read and see his segment on 60 Minutes. It certainly puts things in perspective.

And what about the Cardinals? They’ll be fine. We just won the World Series, for crying out loud. With the exception of Game 3 where he joined Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit 3 HRs in a WS game, Pujols was not a major factor (yes, I know in Game 6, he did hit a key double in the 9th that led to a tie game that ultimately… well, you know the rest). The lineup we have is solid. And now we have a little extra money to play with.

Good article on USA Today on the Angels’ signing of Pujols and what it does for baseball.

I’m happy that he was a Cardinal for his first 11 seasons, and each of them were pretty damn awesome. I’m glad that I got to see him play, and although she won’t remember them, I’m happy that my little girl Sophia went to 3 of his baseball games as a Cardinal. Albert, good luck in LA. I wish you all the best with your future endeavors in baseball and in life. Thanks for the memories.