Albert Pujols delivers emotional speech to Cardinals after clinching NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols certainly made the last season of his career a memorable one, and he topped it off with a division win.

St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols is officially wrapping up the final season of his lengthy career, and it’s been beyond memorable. He’s closing out his last season with a division win, and he delivered an emotional speech to the Cardinals after doing so.

In the speech, he stated, “What an honor to come back here and finish my career in the playoffs…There’s no better sacrifice than winning the championship. Just be focused on that. This is what we play for, let’s win a championship this year.”

He was also seen popping champagne and celebrating with his teammates afterward.

Pujols has won two World Series with St. Louis and has also frequented the playoffs with them. Playing toward another one in his final season is certainly one of the best ways he could go out. Even if he doesn’t win another, he has a lot to be proud of.

Cardinals legend Albert Pujols should be proud of his final season

Pujols is achieving many things most players don’t get to achieve toward the end of their career. A spot in the MLB Hall of Fame is coming as soon as he’s eligible. He’s also reached the elite 700 career home runs club, which is only a feat that Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron have reached prior.

He’s also earned a massive amount of awards (66 total), a mix of Silver Sluggers, Gold Gloves, MVPs and Player of the Years.

He’s certainly lost some talent with age, as expected. However, he’s still an above-average hitter and has contributed a lot to the Cardinals this final season. He also returned to St. Louis just to retire with the team that built him, so that’s admirable in itself.