Albert Pujols lights up Home Run Derby in final All-Star appearance
Los Angeles, California - On his 11th and final appearance in an MLB All-Star game, Albert Pujols was the star of the show during the Home Run Derby!
St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols was a legacy selection in the National League All-Star Team and his undeniable impact on the game was hailed in a very special way on Monday
The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer became the oldest player to appear in the competition, but he proved to be the proverbial fine wine, with a performance that brought the house down.
In the first round, Pujols shockingly knocked off top-seeded Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber, showing everyone the legend still has it. Batting first, Pujols hit 10 home runs in the allotted three minutes and earned an extra minute of swings.
Before he took his cuts again, however, something happened that left plenty watching in the Dodger Stadium and at home with something in their eye.
All the players on the field and the benches swarmed Pujols in a show of love and respect while the spectators gave him a roaring standing ovation.
In the second round, Pujols hit 12 home runs in his allotted three minutes, but Washington Nationals star Juan Soto ultimately ended his chances of winning it all.
Pujols soaks up his last All-Star game as a special
Pujols spoke in glowing terms about his selection to the All-Star Game.
"It’s pretty special to be there with the best of the game in your final year. I was there when Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken were there 2001, their last year. … It’s pretty unique," Pujols said.
A two-time World Series champion, Pujols is all over the all-time leaderboards. In his final MLB season, he currently sits 12th with 1,889 runs scored, 10th with 3,333 hits, and third in total and extra-base hits.
In RBIs, Pujols only trails baseball icons Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.
There isn't much left for the legend to accomplish, but he definitely wouldn't mind checking one more thing off his before he signs off: a World Championship ring with the same team that gave him his first professional chance in the league, the Cardinals.
The MLB All-Star Game starts tonight at 8 PM EDT.
Cover photo: KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP