The los angeles angels first baseman Albert Pujols joined the MLB's 600 hr club on Saturday night. The career mark for Pujols places him in an elite group of legendary and Hall of Fame sluggers. Although Pujols has had recent injuries that have slowed him down a bit, he still has managed to be one of baseball's top hitters in the league for many years. Some of the names he joins on the list include Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Willie Mays.
Reaching greatness
Albert Pujols started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2001 MLB season.
It did not take long for Pujols to become a known star in the league. In his first year with the St. Louis Cards, he was named unanimously the National League Rookie of the Year. That same year as a rookie he made the MLB all-star game as well. He led the Cardinals in home runs as well with 37 finishing ahead of legendary slugger Mark McGwire for the team lead. Pujols also helped lead the Cardinals to the playoffs in his first two seasons.
In the year of 2004, Albert Pujols talents would help award him a big contract. Pujols received a $100 million dollar contract from the St. Louis Cardinals. The contract proved to be worthy as Pujols was able to lead the Cardinals to the World Series. However, in his first appearance, he and the Cardinals were swept by the Boston Red Sox in four games.
During the next two seasons, Pujols would continue to bat well. In 2006 he was able to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series again where he would win his first ring. Pujols helped the Cardinals defeat the Detroit Tigers in five games. In 2011, Pujols won his second World Series championship despite failing to receive an anticipated contract extension with the Cardinals.
Los Angeles Angels and continued success
In 2012, Albert Pujols entered the free agency market for the first time in his career. Although he was offered a contract from the Cardinals, the Los Angeles Angels offered much more money for 10 years worth $254 million. Since joining the Angels, Pujols has not been able to achieve the same winning success he experienced with the St.
Louis Cardinals. In his first couple of season with the franchise, he experienced injuries that caused him to miss an entire season in 2013.
However, he along with Mike Trout have made the Angels one of the most exciting hitting teams since they've joined forces. His hitting has led him to join an exclusive club of hitters that is sure to earn him a Hall of Fame nod after his career is over. Joining the 600 hr club on Saturday night just adds to the many accomplishments on the list for the great Albert Pujols.
