Although my post yesterday night was of elation, as I wrote about my favorite MLB team New York Mets, their win and the fabulous pitching performance by Tajuan Walker; today I woke up to news that the Anaheim Angels released Albert Pujols.
Normally, it's a baseball move and at the end of the day it's business. All major sports are businesses and that is they way they run them; although they are games - it's the livelihood of many and BIG MONEY.
Pujols started his career as a St. Louis Cardinal and played 11 years for them.
This was his production as a Cardinal:
By Djh57 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5635180
As well as winning a couple of championships with them and eventually like many do, moved on for a big fat contract his being a 10 Year 240 Million dollar deal with the Anaheim Angels. Odd that they didn't let him finish out the year and the last of his contract.
He had some solid years with Anaheim and it's safe to say the contract probably was not equivalent to his production or lack of winning seasons as well, but he brought a lot to the table not only as a player but as a person.
Albert and his wife are beyond charitable, have a foundation that has helped; so many people here and the Dominican Republic where he's from. I'm sure I'm undervaluing the impact, so if you want to get a better scope of their foundation: Pujols Family Foundation
We never heard or read anything negative about Albert Pujols and he is well respected by everyone, especially his current and past teammates as well as everyone he's played against.
As a Latino myself and half Dominican, I am proud to post about an individual that represented Major League Baseball with honor and respect. He loves the game, he played hard and through injuries, made his teammates better and obviously has been a contributor to making other people's lives easier.
Listening to the sports talk shows this morning the question going around is where does Alberto go to play next or will he ever play for another team? It's very much a given that he will retire after this season, but I don't believe he expected to not finish out this season with the Angels.
An American League team that is in a position organizationally to make their way into the postseason, may be able to bring on the living legend who will bring his experience in all facets and can perhaps provide Albert with one last moment of greatness. I would love to watch that happen.
His career stats:
STATS & IMAGE CREDITS:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml
BIO & STATS CREDITS:
https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/bio/_/id/4574/albert-pujols
