Cardinals’ incredible graphic puts Albert Pujols’ career numbers in perspective

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols is one of the greatest hitters of all-time. But the numbers do him far more justice.

Pujols made his return to St. Louis for what many believe will be one final season. While he plays a part-time role, Albert continues to add to his already-incredible numbers.

The Cardinals great ranks top-10 all-time in some of the more historic hitting categories the sport has to offer. Pujols’ longevity also cannot be questioned, as he’s eighth all-time in games played.

The following graphic, featured on the St. Louis television broadcast, puts Pujols career in perspective.

• Games played: Eighth
• Hits: Ninth
• Home runs: Fifth
• RBI: Third
• Total bases: Third

Cardinals: Was Albert Pujols return to St. Louis worth it?

Pujols is slashing .211/.324/.367 with a .691 OPS and 101 OPS+. He hasn’t made an All-Star team since 2015, his lone appearance in the Midsummer Classic as an Angel.

He will go into the Hall of Fame as a St. Louis Cardinal, considered by many to be the best hitter of his generation.

Players like Pujols only come around once in a lifetime, if ever. They earn the right to leave the game whenever they choose. While Pujols is surely over the hill — he has been for some time now — he wanted to play a final season with two of his closest friends and supporters in Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. All three could potentially retire this season, and all three will see their jerseys retired in St. Louis as well.

The short answer to this question is yes. The statistics are just an added bonus.