Albert Pujols facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Albert Pujols
Pujols with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008
First baseman / Designated hitter
Born: (1980-01-16) January 16, 1980 (age 45) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
April 2, 2001, for the St. Louis Cardinals
Last appearance
October 4, 2022, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
Batting average	.296
Hits	3,384
Home runs	703
Runs batted in	2,218
Teams
St. Louis Cardinals (2001–2011) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels (2012–2021) Los Angeles Dodgers (2021) St. Louis Cardinals (2022)
Career highlights and awards
11× All-Star (2001, 2003–2010, 2015, 2022) 2× World Series champion (2006, 2011) 3× NL MVP (2005, 2008, 2009) NL Rookie of the Year (2001) NLCS MVP (2004) 2× Gold Glove Award (2006, 2010) 6× Silver Slugger Award (2001, 2003, 2004, 2008–2010) 2× NL Hank Aaron Award (2003, 2009) NL Comeback Player of the Year (2022) Roberto Clemente Award (2008) NL batting champion (2003) 2× NL home run leader (2009, 2010) NL RBI leader (2010)

José Albert Pujols Alcántara (born January 16, 1980) is a famous Dominican baseball player. He played for 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was a first baseman and designated hitter. Pujols played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers. People often called him "the Machine" (which is La Máquina in Spanish). Many consider him one of the greatest baseball players ever.

Pujols was known for being a great hitter. He could hit for average, had good plate discipline, and lots of power. He won the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award three times: in 2005, 2008, and 2009. He was also an 11-time All-Star. Pujols won six Silver Slugger awards and two Gold Glove awards for his defense at first base. He led the NL in home runs twice and in batting average, doubles, and runs batted in (RBIs) once each. Pujols is one of only four players to hit 700 career home runs. He also reached over 3,000 career hits.

Early Life and High School Baseball

Albert Pujols was born and grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His grandmother, America Pujols, mostly raised him along with his aunts and uncles. He was an only child. When he was young, Pujols practiced baseball using limes as balls and a milk carton as a glove.

In 1996, Pujols and his family moved to New York City. A couple of months later, they moved to Independence, Missouri, to be with relatives. Pujols played baseball at Fort Osage High School in Independence. He was named an All-State athlete twice. In his senior year, he was intentionally walked 55 times. Even so, he hit eight home runs in only 33 at-bats. One of his home runs traveled about 450 feet (137 meters).

College Baseball Career

Pujols finished high school early in December 1998. He received a baseball scholarship to Maple Woods Community College. In his only college season, Pujols had an amazing first game. He hit a grand slam and made an unassisted triple play. Playing shortstop, he batted .461 with 22 home runs as a freshman. After this great season, he decided to enter the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

Professional Baseball Journey

Draft and Minor League Teams

Not many teams were very interested in Pujols at first. They weren't sure about his age, what position he would play, or his body type. A scout for the Tampa Bay Rays even quit his job when his team didn't sign Pujols.

Pujols was finally drafted in the 13th round of the 1999 MLB draft. The St. Louis Cardinals picked him as the 402nd overall player. Pujols first turned down a $10,000 bonus. He spent the summer playing for the Hays Larks in a summer league. When the Cardinals offered him $60,000, he signed with them.

Pujols started his minor league career in 2000. He played third base for the Peoria Chiefs in the single-A Midwest League. He batted .324 with 128 hits, 32 doubles, six triples, 17 home runs, and 84 RBIs in 109 games. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player and an All-Star. That year, Pujols also played 21 games with the Potomac Cannons in the high-A Carolina League. He finished the 2000 season with the Memphis Redbirds in the AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL). He was named the postseason MVP as the Redbirds won their first PCL title.

St. Louis Cardinals (2001–2011)

Amazing Start (2001–2003)

In spring training in 2001, Mark McGwire, a famous first baseman, told Cardinals manager Tony La Russa to promote Pujols. La Russa and the Cardinals management were very impressed with Pujols. They decided to bring him up to the major league team. Pujols played many positions that season, including third base, right field, left field, and first base.

On April 2, 2001, Pujols became the first MLB player born in the 1980s. In that game, he got his first career hit. Four days later, he hit his first home run. By midseason, Pujols was chosen for the All-Star Game. He was the first Cardinals rookie since 1955 to do so. He finished the season batting .329 with 37 home runs and 130 RBIs. He was named the NL Rookie of the Year unanimously. He was also the fourth MLB rookie to hit .300 with 30 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs.

The Cardinals made it to the playoffs in 2001. In Game 2 of the NL Division Series (NLDS), Pujols hit a game-winning home run. However, the Cardinals were eliminated in five games.

In 2002, Pujols mostly played left field. He hit his 30th home run and 100th RBI of the season in August. This made him the second Cardinal to start his career with back-to-back 100-RBI seasons. He finished the year batting .314 with 34 home runs and 127 RBIs. He was the first player in MLB history to hit over .300 with at least 30 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBIs in his first two seasons.

The Cardinals reached the playoffs again in 2002. Pujols helped them sweep the Diamondbacks in the NLDS. They then lost to the San Francisco Giants in the NL Championship Series (NLCS).

In 2003, Pujols led the NL in All-Star votes. This was the first of eight straight All-Star appearances for him. He had a 30-game hitting streak from July to August. On July 20, Pujols hit his 100th career home run. He was the fourth major leaguer to hit his 100th home run in his third season. He finished the season batting .359, winning the NL batting title. He also led the league in runs (137), hits (212), and doubles (51). Pujols hit 43 home runs and had 124 RBIs. He won his second Silver Slugger Award.

New Contract and First World Series Win (2004–2005)

After his amazing first three seasons, Pujols signed a big contract on February 20, 2004. It was a seven-year, $100 million deal. He moved to first base in 2004. On June 16, he hit a walk-off home run to win a game against the Reds.

In July, he hit three home runs and had five RBIs in a win against the Chicago Cubs. In September, he got his 500th RBI. He was one of only three players to have 500 RBIs in their first four seasons. Pujols finished the season with a .331 average, 46 home runs, and 123 RBIs. He also led the league with 133 runs scored. He won the Silver Slugger Award at first base. Pujols and his teammates Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen were called "MV3" for their great seasons.

The Cardinals won their division in 2004. In the NLDS, Pujols hit a three-run home run to help the Cardinals win the series. In the NLCS, Pujols batted .500 with four home runs and nine RBIs. He was named the NLCS MVP. The Cardinals reached the World Series but lost to the Boston Red Sox.

By 2005, many fans thought Pujols was the best Cardinal since Stan Musial. On August 31, he got his 100th RBI of the season. He was one of only four players to have 100 RBIs in their first five seasons. On September 30, Pujols hit his 200th career home run. He was the third-youngest player to reach this milestone. In 161 games, Pujols batted .330 with 41 home runs and 117 RBIs. He won his first NL MVP award.

The Cardinals made the playoffs again in 2005. In Game 5 of the NLCS against the Astros, Pujols hit a game-winning three-run home run in the ninth inning. This home run is considered one of the most famous playoff home runs in recent years. However, the Cardinals were eliminated in Game 6.

Continued Success and World Series Champion (2006–2008)

Pujols in 2006

In April 2006, Pujols hit home runs in four straight times at bat. On April 21, he got his 1,000th career hit, which was a home run. On June 4, he was placed on the disabled list (DL) for the first time with a strained muscle. On September 28, Pujols hit a three-run home run that helped the Cardinals win and keep their division lead.

Pujols at the 2006 All-Star Game

Pujols finished the 2006 season with a .331 average, 49 home runs, and 137 RBIs. He won the NL Gold Glove Award for first base. The Cardinals won their division and made the playoffs. In the NLDS, Pujols hit a game-winning home run. In the NLCS, the Cardinals defeated the Mets. In Game 1 of the World Series, he hit a two-run home run. In Game 5, the Cardinals won the series, giving Pujols his first World Series ring.

Pujols preparing to hit

In 2007, Pujols hit his 255th home run, tying him for second all-time on the Cardinals' home run list. He finished the season with a .327 batting average, 32 home runs, and 103 RBIs.

Pujols started 2008 by reaching base in 42 straight games. On July 4, he hit his 300th home run. On September 11, he got his 100th RBI of the season. This made him the third player in MLB history to start his career with eight seasons of at least 100 RBIs.

Pujols is among the top 5 players all-time in home runs, RBIs, doubles, and total bases.

In 2008, Pujols batted .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs. He won his second NL MVP Award and his fourth Silver Slugger Award. He also won the Roberto Clemente Award for his work helping others.

Later Cardinals Career and Second World Series (2009–2011)

Pujols participating in the 2009 Home Run Derby

On April 25, 2009, Pujols got his 1,000th career RBI with a grand slam. On July 3, he hit his 10th career grand slam, breaking Stan Musial's record for the Cardinals. This grand slam was also his 350th career home run. He received the most votes in NL history for the All-Star Game that year.

Pujols hit his fifth grand slam of the season on August 4, tying an NL record. In 160 games, Pujols batted .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBIs. He was unanimously named the NL MVP for the third time. He won his fifth Silver Slugger Award.

The Cardinals returned to the playoffs in 2009. They were swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS. After the season, Pujols had surgery on his right elbow.

For April 2010, Pujols won his first Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month Award. On June 29, he hit two home runs for his 37th multi-homer game, tying Musial's team record. On August 26, he hit his 400th career home run. He was the third-youngest player to reach this milestone. On September 11, he reached 100 RBIs for the 10th year in a row. Only Al Simmons had a longer streak to start a career.

In 2010, Pujols batted .312 with 42 home runs and 118 RBIs. He won his second Gold Glove Award and his sixth Silver Slugger Award. He finished second in the NL MVP voting.

Pujols and the Cardinals tried to agree on a new contract before the 2011 season, but they couldn't. After a slow start, Pujols began hitting well again. On June 4 and 5, he hit two walk-off home runs in extra innings. On June 19, he fractured his left wrist and was out until July 5. On July 30, he got his 2,000th career hit. In the Cardinals' last game of the season, he had the game-winning RBI, helping them win the Wild Card spot.

Pujols finished the 2011 season batting .299 with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs. He was fifth in MVP voting.

Pujols during the 2011 World Series parade. His historic Game 3 performance included three home runs.

In Game 2 of the NLDS, Pujols had a game-winning hit. In Game 2 of the NLCS, he had four hits, one home run, and five RBIs. On October 22, in Game 3 of the World Series, Pujols had an amazing game. He had five hits, three home runs, four runs scored, and six RBIs. He joined Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit three home runs in a World Series game. He also set a series record with 14 total bases. The Cardinals won the World Series in seven games, giving Pujols his second championship. After the season, he became a free agent.

Los Angeles Angels (2012–2021)

Pujols signed a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels for about $254 million on December 8, 2011.

Early Angels Years (2012–2016)

Pujols in 2012

Pujols had a slow start to the 2012 season. But his performance improved after May. On July 31, he hit two home runs. On August 14, he had four RBIs, including a game-winning home run. In 2012, Pujols batted .285 with 30 home runs and 105 RBIs.

In 2013, Pujols had a difficult season due to a foot injury. He played in 99 games, batting .258 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs. He was out for the rest of the season after August 19.

On April 22, 2014, Pujols hit his 499th and 500th home runs in the same game. He became the 26th player to reach the 500-home-run mark. He was the third-youngest player to do so. On August 10, he hit his first walk-off home run as an Angel. On September 6, Pujols got his 2,500th career hit. He also passed the 1,500-run mark. He became the fifth player in MLB history with 2,500 hits and 500 home runs while keeping a .310 lifetime batting average.

For the 2014 season, Pujols batted .272. After the season, he played in the Japan All-Star Series.

Before the 2015 season, Pujols was healthy for the first time in a while. His hitting improved greatly in May and June. He was named AL Player of the Month for June 2015. He was selected for the All-Star Game, his 10th overall selection. On September 22, Pujols hit his 556th career home run. In the last game of the season, he hit his 40th home run of the year.

For the 2015 season, he batted .244 with 40 home runs.

On April 30, 2016, Pujols reached 10,000 career plate appearances. On May 2, he reached 5,000 career total bases. On August 17, Pujols was intentionally walked over 300 times in his career. On August 25, he reached 100 RBIs for the 13th time in his career. On August 29, he tied Frank Robinson for ninth place on the all-time home run list with 586. He also became the seventh player all-time with 1,200 career extra base hits. On September 16, Pujols reached 600 career doubles.

Pujols batted .268 for the 2016 season.

Later Angels Years (2017–2021)

Pujols in 2017

On June 3, 2017, Pujols became the ninth player in MLB history to hit at least 600 home runs. He was the fourth-youngest player to do so. He was also the first to hit a grand slam for his 600th home run.

For the 2017 season, Pujols played in 149 games. He had career-lows in batting average (.241), on-base percentage (.286), and doubles (17).

On May 4, 2018, Pujols recorded his 3,000th major league hit. On July 12, he hit his 630th career home run, tying Ken Griffey Jr. for sixth place all-time. He had surgery on his left knee in August, ending his season.

In 2018, he batted .245 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs.

On May 9, 2019, Pujols became the fourth player in MLB history to record 2,000 RBIs. He hit a solo home run to reach this milestone. On June 13, he hit his 200th home run as an Angel. This made him only the sixth player to hit 200 home runs with two different teams.

In 2019, he batted .244.

At the beginning of the 2020 season, Pujols was the oldest player in MLB at 40 years old. On August 24, Pujols passed Alex Rodriguez to reach second place on the all-time RBIs list. He was only behind Hank Aaron. On September 18, Pujols hit his 661st career home run, passing Willie Mays for fifth place all-time.

In 2020, Pujols batted .224 with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs.

Pujols started the 2021 season with the Angels. On May 6, 2021, the Angels decided to release Pujols. He was batting .198 with five home runs in 24 games. On May 13, Pujols became a free agent.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)

On May 17, 2021, Pujols signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his Dodgers debut that night. He chose the number 55, which he said was a nod to his former teams and the Bible. On May 20, Pujols hit his first home run as a Dodger. He played in 85 games for the Dodgers, hitting .254 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs.

He appeared in nine games for the Dodgers in the postseason. Pujols later announced he would play in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) in the offseason.

Return to St. Louis (2022)

Pujols hits a pitch during a game against the Padres on September 22, 2022.

On March 28, 2022, Pujols signed a one-year contract to return to the St. Louis Cardinals. He announced that 2022 would be his final season. He said, "We have the best fans in baseball. It feels like I never left." He was the oldest player in MLB for the third season in a row.

On May 15, Pujols made his pitching debut. He was the oldest player to do so since 1929. On June 4, he became the 10th MLB player to play 3,000 games. On June 7, Pujols got his 3,320th career hit, passing Paul Molitor for tenth all-time in hits. On July 10, his three hits, including a home run, helped the Cardinals win. This home run tied him with Stan Musial for third all-time in extra-base hits. Pujols was chosen for the All-Star Game as a "legacy" selection. He also participated in the Home Run Derby.

On August 20, he passed Musial for second place all-time in total bases, only behind Hank Aaron. Pujols was named the National League Player of the Week. On August 29, Pujols hit a home run off his 450th unique pitcher, breaking another MLB record. On September 10 and 11, Pujols hit his 696th and 697th home runs. On September 14, he became the second player in MLB history to officially get 2,200 RBIs.

On September 23, Pujols became the fourth player to hit 700 career home runs. His 699th and 700th home runs came in back-to-back turns at bat. On October 2, he hit his 702nd home run in his last career home game. On October 3, he hit his 703rd home run, giving him second place on the all-time RBI list. Pujols finished his career first in grounding into double plays (426), third in sacrifice flies (123), fifth in games played (3,080), and fifth in doubles (686).

After the season, Pujols was named National League Comeback Player of the Year. The Cardinals won their division and made the playoffs. Pujols played in his 10th and final postseason. He went 2-for-8 in the National League Wild Card Series. The Phillies won the series, ending Pujols' playing career. On November 1, it was announced that Pujols had officially retired.

After Playing Baseball

Pujols as manager of the Leones del Escogido in 2024

On February 23, 2023, the Angels hired Pujols as a special assistant. He also works as an analyst for MLB Network.

In June 2023, Pujols became the "official global ambassador" for Baseball United. This is a professional baseball organization in the Middle East and South Asia. He also has an ownership interest in the league.

In February 2024, Pujols was named the manager of the Leones del Escogido. The Leones del Escogido won the Serie Final of the 2024–25 season and the 2025 Caribbean Series.

How Albert Pujols Played

Pujols' batting swing was known for being very consistent. His former teammate Lance Berkman said, "It's the same swing every time." Pujols used a 32.5-ounce bat against right-handed pitchers and a 33-ounce bat against left-handers. He said he was good at hitting because he learned what pitchers would do in different situations.

Achievements and Awards

Pujols is second in MLB history in runs batted in and total bases, only behind Hank Aaron. He and Aaron are the only two players to have 3,000 hits, 700 home runs, and 2,200 RBIs. Only two other players, Stan Musial and Willie Mays, have more than 6,000 total bases. Pujols hit home runs off a record 458 different pitchers. He is fourth in career home runs and fifth in doubles. In 2009, Pujols set an MLB record for assists by a first baseman with 185. He was also known for not striking out often, which was rare for a power hitter.

Many players and coaches praised Pujols throughout his career. In 2008, MLB managers voted him the most feared hitter in baseball. His former manager Tony La Russa called him "the best player I've ever managed."

People expect Pujols to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2028, his first year of eligibility. He might even be a unanimous selection.

Awards and Honors

Notes: Per Baseball-Reference.com.

Other Activities

Business Ventures

In 2006, Pujols and the Hanon family opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill, a restaurant in Maryland Heights, Missouri. A large statue of Pujols was placed outside the restaurant in 2011. After Pujols signed with the Angels, the restaurant was renamed the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Grill.

Helping Others

Pujols at a public event

In 2005, Albert and his wife Deidre Pujols started the Pujols Family Foundation. This non-profit organization helps people in several ways. It raises awareness about Down syndrome and supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It also helps people with disabilities and serious illnesses. The foundation also aids those in need in the Dominican Republic.

The foundation hosts events for people with Down syndrome. In 2009, the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome opened in Chesterfield, Missouri. The foundation also holds an annual "All Stars Basketball Game" for players with Down syndrome.

Pujols has traveled to the Dominican Republic many times. He brings supplies and teams of doctors and dentists to help people who need medical care. The Pujols Family Foundation also has a yearly golf tournament to raise money for these trips.

Personal Life

Pujols married Deidre Pujols on January 1, 2000. They have five children. Pujols is a dedicated Christian. He became a Christian in 1998.

On September 3, 2023, Pujols married Nicole Fernandez. She is the daughter of former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández.

During his playing career, Pujols lived in St. Louis during the offseason. He also owned a home in Irvine, California. Pujols is a strong supporter of people with Down syndrome, as his daughter Isabella was born with the condition. In 2007, Pujols became a U.S. citizen.

Pujols is good friends with third baseman Plácido Polanco, who was a teammate with the Cardinals. Polanco calls Pujols his "closest friend in baseball." Pujols is also the godfather to Polanco's son.

See also

In Spanish: Albert Pujols para niños