Albert Pujols is back with the Cardinals for the right reasons
By Mark Powell
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has a clear end game with the St. Louis Cardinals, and it’s not about the numbers.
Albert Pujols’ homecoming with the St. Louis Cardinals was a long time coming. After a decade gone out West, Pujols hasn’t been the same since he left the organization.
Still, the MLB legend has a chance to set a number of personal records this season, including reaching the 700 home run club should he get regular playing time. However, the Machine wanted to make it perfectly clear he’s not here just to chase statistics.
Pujols wants another ring before he calls it quits.
“I don’t need to show anybody anything or prove anything,” Pujols said, per John Denton of MLB.com. “For me, it’s just about enjoying this season and helping us win. Numbers-wise, if 700 is meant to be and it happens, it will be special. But I don’t want to be chasing anything. I want to stay focused and when my name is written in that lineup, I want to do everything I can to help the club win.”
Cardinals: Albert Pujols in St. Louis for the right reasons
Via Denton, Pujols also spoke on how excited he is to play with the likes of longtime teammates Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright again.
“Me and those two guys are the last ones still here, and it’s special to have them with me as I’m finishing my career,” Pujols said. “Hopefully we’ll get one more run at a title. That would make it so perfect.”
For Pujols, it wasn’t always so clear the his career would end in St. Louis. When he left, Cardinals fans wished his career much harm, and were in many ways heartbroken that a team legend would leave rather than see things out like Stan Musial.
Heck, Pujols had just won a World Series. Yet, like Freddie Freeman before his time, Albert left for what he thought were greener pastures.
All is in the past now. Pujols is home.