Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Each generation has a baseball player or two who just made the game look too easy. For many, Albert Pujols was that shining example. He might not have been the most graceful when fielding, but from that first moment when he stepped into the batter’s box, he showed he could hit like no other. At his prime, he became “Must Watch” TV every time he strode to the plate. 703 homers later, he retired and left us so appreciative of what we’d been able to witness. Here are 12 instances that reflected just how good he was:
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“The Machine” Is Born: His 2001 Rookie Season Amazed Everyone
Nobody saw it coming—not even the Cardinals, who drafted him in the 13th round. The 21-year-old rookie hit .329 with 37 homers and 130 RBIs, numbers that seemed like a fifth-year veteran instead of a rookie. Baseball purists knew immediately: we weren’t just watching Rookie of the Year material; we were witnessing the birth of a legend.
That Time He Hit Three Homers in a World Series Game
Game 3 of the 2011 World Series became the Pujols Show. Three home runs, six RBIs, and five hits total—numbers that showed that this legend didn’t wilt under the pressure of being on the biggest stage. The Rangers learned what Cardinals fans had known for years: when Pujols got hot, you just sat back and enjoyed the fireworks.
Welcome to the 700 Club, Albert
On September 23, 2022, Dodger Stadium erupted as Homer number 700 sailed into the Los Angeles night. Only three other men had reached this summit: Bonds, Aaron, and the Babe himself. Pujols made the trio a quartet and his glee was evident as he rounded the bases.
The Day He Dented Brad Lidge’s Invincible Armor in the 2005 NLCS
October 17, 2005: Before this incident, Brad Lidge was nigh invincible. Pujols hammered Lidge’s legendary slider, a pitch that was pretty much only stopped by the wall. How hard was it hit? Even Astros players like Andy Pettitte could be seen standing agape in the dugout as soon as it happened. The funny thing? The Astros won that Championship Series, but Albert’s blast is the core memory for most.
2005: When The MVP Trophy Finally Found Its True Home
After finishing in the top four of MVP voting for four straight years, the hardware finally found its way to Albert’s trophy case. A .330 average, 41 homers, and 117 RBIs made it impossible for voters to deny him any longer. The king had finally received his crown.
Cardinals vs. Cubs: The 3-Homer Sunday That Shook Wrigley
April 20, 2004: Wrigley Field became Pujols’ personal batting practice session. Three homers, four hits, and five RBIs later, even Cubs fans had to applaud. It was like watching Picasso paint—if Picasso’s brush strokes could travel 450 feet.
The Greatest First Decade in Baseball History
From 2001-2010, Pujols averaged .331, 41 homers, and 123 RBIs per season. No player in baseball history—not Ruth, not Williams, not Aaron—had a better first decade. The numbers were staggering, but for those who watched him daily, they felt almost routine.
Three MVPs, Zero Doubt: The Golden Years (2005-2009)
For half a decade, Pujols didn’t just play baseball—he redefined it. Three MVP awards in five years, with the two “off” years resulting in second-place finishes. When your “slump” years still put you second in MVP voting, you’re playing a different game than everyone else.
The Return to St. Louis: Baseball’s Prodigal Son Comes Home
When Pujols returned to St. Louis in 2022, it wasn’t just a reunion—it was a resurrection. The Cardinals faithful welcomed their hero home with open arms, and he responded with a turn-back-the-clock season that had us all believing in baseball magic again.
3,000 Hits and Still Hungry for More
Hit number 3,000 came against the Mariners in 2018—a clean single to right field. The milestone was classic Pujols: no drama, just pure hitting excellence. Even as the years piled up, The Machine kept churning out base hits with mechanical precision.
That Wild Night He Pitched (Yes, Really!)
On May 15, 2022, in his final season, Pujols took the mound against the Giants. He gave up two homers and four runs, but the sight of the legend lobbing pitches was pure baseball joy. The Machine proved he could bring joy to the game even when serving up meatballs instead of crushing them.
The Farewell Tour That Turned Into a Home Run Chase
What started as a victory lap turned into one of baseball’s greatest farewell tours. Chasing 700 homers, Pujols turned back the clock one final time, launching moonshots like it was 2006 all over again. The Machine’s final act wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a reminder that legends never really fade away.