JUPITER (Fla.) — He waved his hand and gave a tip of the hat. Albert PujolsI walked back into this world of the St. Louis Cardinals.
He wore a big smile, and his red No. Pujols appeared from behind the Roger Dean Stadium right-field wall between the first and the second innings of a game against. HoustonMonday
The three-time NL MVP was acknowledged by the Cardinals catchers, pitchers, and coaches, who sat on chairs further down the line. Fans in the stands also stood to recognize him. Pujols made his way to the St. Louis dugout at third base, where he received warm hugs from the fans and high-fives.
The Cardinals’ slugger, who helped them win two World Series championships, was back home after all these years.
A one-year contract worth $2.5 million has been reached between the Cardinals and Pujols, giving him the chance to finish his career where it began.
Pujols, 42, spent Monday video conferencing part with veteran St. Louis catcher. Yadier Molina. They were teammates for eight years.
Molina stated, “I’m glad for him to be there.” “It’s going a fun year.”
Pujols was a St. Louis native who played the first eleven years of his professional career. With Molina, he led the Cardinals to their 2006 and 2011 World Series victories.
Molina said, “We only have one thing in our minds – winning another championship.”
Prior to Monday’s Graprefruit League, Cardinals centerfielder Harrison BaderOn social media, a photo was posted of what looked like a No. 5 Pujols jerseys in a Cardinals’ locker.
Pujols’s bat swing isn’t as powerful as it was during his St. Louis heyday. However, the Cardinals made an offer for a designated batter who can pitch left-handed.
Pujols is still a master at this.
Pujols combined hit.236 in the final Los Angeles Angels DodgersLast season, however the OPS against lefties was.294 at.294
Pujols must hit 21 homers in order to be the fourth major leaguer to reach 700 runs in a career.
Oliver Marmol, Oliver Marmol’s first-year manager, stated that “Adding someone like this is crazy important.” “What he does for that clubhouse other than his skill set is incredible.”
Pujols returns to the position where he excelled as an all-around hitter and power hitter. In 2001, the NL Rookie-of-the-Year in St. Louis was at least.300 and had at least 30 homers and at least 100 RBIs in his 10 first seasons.
Pujols was a beloved player in St. Louis and played his final game for the Cardinals in Oct. 28, 2011. It was a Game 7 victory over Texas in the World Series.
Pujols won the MVP awards, made nine All-Star teams with Cardinals and signed a 10-year, $240m deal with the Angels. After hitting.198 last May, Pujols was waived by the Angels. He signed with the Dodgers.
The National League has adopted the DH rule and the Cardinals teamed up with Pujols for Opening Day on April 7. Pittsburgh at Busch Stadium approached.
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