It’s been quite a week for Cardinals legend Albert Pujols, who is headed to his 11th All-Star Game, added to the National League’s roster as a “legacy selection” by commissioner Rob Manfred. He’ll also compete in next week’s Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium, joining the likes of Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña, Kyle Schwarber and defending champ Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.
The 42-year-old has been swinging a hot bat, homering in two of his last three appearances including Tuesday night’s game against his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, taking Mitch White deep for the 685th long ball of his illustrious career. That’s the fifth-most in MLB history behind only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696). Pujols punctuated his blast by high-fiving Nelly on his way to the dugout.
The rapper of “Country Grammar” fame was a standout player in his youth (in high school, he was scouted by a number of teams including his hometown Cardinals) and has frequently participated in the Legends & Celebrity Softball Game held during All-Star Week. A diehard sports fan, Nelly appeared at TD Garden last month in support of Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum (born and raised in St. Louis), performing at halftime of NBA Finals Game 3.
Pujols announced this year will be his last, retiring after 22 glorious seasons. A three-time league MVP, the veteran slugger will assuredly be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, ranking among the greatest right-handed hitters to ever play. It’s only fitting Pujols would finish his career in St. Louis, where he played from 2001-11, leading the Cardinals to World Series titles in 2006 and 2011. His home run Tuesday night helped the Cards win a close one, 7-6, over the Dodgers, who eliminated them in last year’s NL Wild Card game.
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