No one saw this Albert Pujols season coming

Albert Pujols was included in FanSided’s Fandoms of the Year for 2022, selected as the fandom Most Surprising Fandom of the Year. Check out the rest of the list here. 

So with some relief, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a gamble on the superstar. They selected him as a backup first baseman, pinch hitter, and mentor to the young players on the Dodgers roster. It was a great opportunity, and he took advantage of it, helping the Dodgers make it to the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves in 2021.

Even with this nice ending to the 2021 season, it still didn’t seem like the proper way for Pujols’ career to conclude. Pujols had many records he was within range of setting, not to mention just how close he was to 700 home runs for his career.

When you consider all this, there was only one team for Pujols to finish with The St. Louis Cardinals.

Albert Pujols returns to the Cardinals

Pujols did return to where it all started. On March 28, 2022, Pujols signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals worth $2.5 million. He would be the team’s designated hitter against left-handers, provide backup to Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and mentor a clubhouse full of youngsters hoping to pick up some tips.

Pujols would return to play alongside former teammates and lifelong friends Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright.

As the season started and fans saw Pujols slimmed down physique, fans started wondering what they could expect from the 42-year-old legend. One thing was sure. Baseball fans came out to the ballparks to see what he would do. Pujols had St. Louis’ Busch Stadium packed out.

Pujols started the season slowly but did have several memorable moments, from opening day at Busch to a multi-homer game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. His final ride energized Major League Baseball. They selected him as the National League’s Commissioner’s selection along with Miguel Cabrera for the American League.

Albert Pujols named to NL All-Star game

As a treat for fans watching the All-Star festivities at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, Pujols decided to participate in the Home Run Derby. Before the announcement, Pujols believed he had found a key to unlock his struggles at the plate.

Pujols ousted Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. Pujols knocked 20 to Schwarber’s 19. Pujols moved on to take on Juan Soto, who ultimately won the derby. Fellow All-Stars clamored to congratulate Pujols, and he seemed energized by the attention.

While he went 0-1 in the actual All-Star game, Pujols took that newfound energy home to St. Louis.

Once August arrived, fans came out to take their final chance at watching Pujols perform again. He became must-see television, leaving fans wondering what milestone he could break that night. From games played to runs scored, hits or RBI, Pujols was performing at a high level no one would have logically expected from the 42-year-old,

But, being back in St. Louis with his number 5 jersey with the birds on the bat seemed to be just the shot Pujols needed to end his legendary career on a high note.

Pujols hits 700 homers at Dodger Stadium

While the Cardinals were sitting in first place, the team slowed down a bit as they headed into the season’s final weeks. As the team headed out on a west coast road trip, the baseball world was left to wonder if, at 698 career home runs, Pujols could reach that milestone of 700 career home runs.

In the first game of the Cardinals series with the Dodgers, the teams were featured on AppleTV+’s Friday night game of the week. Pujols seemingly decided this would be the night fans would remember forever.

Sitting at 698 home runs, Pujols came to bat in the top of the third inning with Andrew Heaney pitching and Tommy Edman on base. Pujols knocked the 699th home run of his career and the 20th homer of the season.

Phil Bickford was on the mound in the fourth inning with Brendan Donovan and Tommy Edman on base. Pujols launched the 700th home run of his career on a fly to left center field.

The crowd cheered for Pujols, who they adored during their one season with him in Dodger blue. Pujols took a moment to speak to the crowd, thanking the Dodgers and their fans for restoring his love of the game when they took a chance on him after being released from the Angels.

The fun he had with the Dodgers in their playoff run in 2021 rejuvenated his career and made the ride to get his 700th career home run possible, and he was very appreciative.

The Cardinals returned to St. Louis for their final regular season home stand on Sep. 30. It was one emotional weekend for him and a fan base who had adored him for two decades. Pujols noted it was extraordinary hitting his 701st home run at Busch Stadium on Friday before a sellout crowd.

Before Sunday’s game against the Pirates, the organization and the city of St. Louis honored  Pujols and Molina for their careers and service to the community. In the third inning, Pujols gave the fans one last memory from his final regular season home game. He launched his 702nd home run on a fly to center field.

During the top of the fifth inning, Manager Oli Marmol unexpectedly removed Pujols, Molina, and Wainwright from the game, allowing the trio to walk off the field together. It was another emotional moment from a season full of them for Pujols.

What made this fandom so great?

Seeing Pujols return to St. Louis, where his legendary career began, was beautiful. While it wasn’t clear at first what he would be capable of accomplishing, it would undoubtedly be something fans had to see.

Seeing him get his career 700 home run in a St. Louis Cardinals jersey was special. When he left for the Lost Angeles Angels, fans didn’t think seeing him in a Cardinals jersey would be possible. Seeing him walk off the field that final time with Molina and Wainwright was tremendous.

While it would have been amazing to see him get another World Series championship with the Cardinals, Pujols did have a storybook ending to his incredible career. And to do it in St. Louis made it even more special for him and an adoring fan base.

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