Albert Pujols

Dominican first baseman and designated hitter, one of baseball's greatest hitters with over 700 home runs and 3,000 hits in MLB career.

Born José Alberto Pujols Alcántara in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on January 16, 1980, the future baseball superstar moved to the United States as a teenager. His family relocated to Independence, Missouri, where he attended Fort Osage High School and developed his exceptional hitting skills. Despite his talent, Pujols was selected in the 13th round of the 1999 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, a decision that would prove to be one of the greatest steals in draft history. Pujols made his major league debut in 2001 and immediately established himself as a premier hitter, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors. His first decade in St. Louis from 2001 to 2010 ranks among the most dominant offensive stretches in baseball history. During this period, he captured three National League MVP awards (2005, 2008, 2009) and helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011. His combination of power, average, and run production was virtually unmatched, as he consistently ranked among league leaders in multiple offensive categories while maintaining exceptional plate discipline. Throughout his 22-season career, Pujols accumulated extraordinary statistical achievements. He became only the fourth player in Major League Baseball history to reach 700 career home runs, joining Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds in this exclusive club. Beyond his power numbers, Pujols demonstrated remarkable consistency, recording over 100 RBIs in ten different seasons and maintaining a career batting average well above .300 for much of his career. His defensive skills at first base earned him two Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his complete game. Pujols' impact extends far beyond individual statistics. He represented a bridge between baseball's steroid era and its aftermath, achieving his milestones through consistent excellence rather than dramatic peak seasons. His success helped elevate Dominican baseball's profile internationally and inspired countless young players from Latin America. When he retired following the 2022 season, Pujols left behind a legacy as one of baseball's most complete and respected players.

Power hitter with exceptional plate discipline and clutch hitting ability

One of the greatest first basemen and right-handed hitters in MLB history

• World Series Champion (2006, 2011)
• National League MVP (2005, 2008, 2009)
• NL Rookie of the Year (2001)