Jul 18, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) reacts between swings in the second round during the 2022 Home Run Derby at Dodgers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols is in the middle of his 22nd and final MLB season and he’s been soaking it in. He might not be the player he used to be but Pujols is back with the St. Louis Cardinals to wrap up a career that started in St. Louis back in 2001.

Pujols is in Los Angeles to play in his 11th All-Star Game and since he’s not going to be doing this again, the guy with 685 career home runs is participating in the Home Run Derby.

Many assumed Pujols’ inclusion was merely symbolic. The guy is 42 and has hit just six home runs this season. Compared to guys like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, Pujols didn’t have much of a chance. Even after he hit 13 home runs in the first round, he got a nice tribute by the fans and players at Dodger Stadium assuming he was done.

That wound up being a bit premature. NL home run leader Schwarber tied Pujols so when they both got to the one-minute tiebreaker, Pujols pulled away hitting seven homers to reach 20 total. Schwarber could only get 19 and fell just one short of Pujols. There was no shame as Schwarber congratulated Pujols on advancing to the semifinals.

Pujols wound up losing in the semifinal to Juan Soto but he kept it competitive, hitting 15 homers and forcing Soto to beat him in the final minute.

Many reacted to what Pujols did. It was certainly surprising and people won’t soon forget.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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