Albert Pujols to LAA Angels: Greatest Moments of Pujols's Cardinals Career

By now I am sure you have heard that Albert Pujols has signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to an astronomical 10-year, $254 million deal.

That being said, Pujols' career as a St. Louis Cardinal has come to an end.  This has left many Cards fans in disarray.

This article takes a look back on the greatest accomplishments Pujols achieved in the greatest baseball city in the world, St. Louis  

No. 10: Winning 2 Gold Gloves

Albert Pujols is mainly known for his moon-shot homers, but many people look past his defense.  Pujols is regarded as one of the best defensive first baseman in recent time.

He has played in over 1300 games at first base and has an impeccable fielding percentage of .994 and only 79 errors.

So for all those nay-sayers who think Pujols is not a good defensive player, I suggest you re-assess your view on this dynamite player.   

No. 9: Two-Time Hank Aaron Award Winner

This big time slugger won the Hank Aaron Award in 2003 and in 2009.  This is awarded to the best hitter in each league.

In 2003, Pujols batted .359 with 43 dingers and 124 RBI.

In 2009, he batted .327 with 47 homers and 135 RBI.

Also, in 2009 he played in all 160 games, which speaks colors of his durability.

No. 8: Nine-Time All-Star

There are many good MLB players who have never been to the Mid Summer Classic.  The face of the Cardinals franchise for the past decade has been to nine All-Star games.

That's right you heard me, just like Ed Rooney said in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, "Nine times!"

His first All-Star appearance came in 2001, his rookie season.  He then went on to represent the National League eight times in a row.

I wonder how many times he will wear the words, "American" on his chest in the next 10 years.

No. 7: Selected as Greatest Player of the Decade

As voted by ESPN.com, Albert Pujols was selected as the greatest player of the decade from 2000-2009.  He certainly is more than deserving of being voted the best player for 10 years in a row.

The 13th round draft pick by the Cardinals in 1999 has played in over 1,700 games, compiling a career batting average of .328.  

We have seen many players come and go during the past 10 years, but none have had the consistent success as Pujols did.   

No. 6: National League Rookie of the Year

Pujols blew all of his opponents out of the water winning this award.  He beat out Roy Oswalt, Jimmy Rollins, Bud Smith and Adam Dunn.

In his rookie season, Pujols played in 161 games and composed a batting average of .329.  He also belted 37 home runs and 194 hits.

Not only did Pujols win the NL Rookie of the year award in 2001, he also won his first Silver Slugger award and was selected to his first ever All-Star game.  Little did he know he would win five more Silver Sluggers and be elected to eight more All-Star games during his reign in St. Louis.

No. 5: Six-Time Silver Slugger Winner

The Silver Slugger Award is given to the best offensive player at each position in both the National League and American League.  Pujols won six of these esteemed awards in the years 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008-2010.

Although Albert is primarily known for playing first base, he won Silver Slugger Awards for his play at third base (2001) and in the outfield (2003).

He is tied with Todd Helton for the most Silver Sluggers as a first baseman with four.

I wonder how many more Silver Slugger Awards Pujols will win in his time in LA.

No. 4: 2006 World Series

In the 2006 World Series, Pujols hit a crushing two-run home run in the first game to give his Cardinals a 3-1 lead against the Detroit Tigers.  

Ironically, Pujols hit this huge homer off of then-rookie Justin Verlander, now one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball.

That's not the only boost Albert gave his squad.  He posted a .429 OBP, .467 slugging percentage and .895 OPS.

No. 3: Three-Time National League MVP

Most great MLB players are lucky to win one MVP award.  Pujols has won not one, not two, but three National League MVP awards.

He won these awards in 2005, 2008 and 2009.  Between those three seasons, he accumulated a .338 batting average and hit 125 home runs.

If winning three MVPs is not enough to prove Albert Pujols is the face of the Cardinals franchise (no disrespect to Stan Musial) then I don't see what warrants this tittle. 

No. 2: 2011 World Series Champion

Knowing what we know now, one could argue the Cardinals 2011 World Series championship was the perfect Cinderella story.  

First, they almost didn't even make the playoffs, but thanks to the collapse of the Atlanta Braves, they snuck in as the Wild Card.  Then they beat the best pitching staff in the MLB, the Philadelphia Phillies.

Fast forward a couple months and the 2011 World Series champs are without their manager of 15 years (Tony La Russa retired just days after winning the World Series) and Mr. Cardinal himself is now swimming in his new $250 million deal.

Looks like this is the end of an era in St. Louis, but what an era it was. 

No. 1: His Consistent Loyalty to St. Louis

Of course there are two sides to every story, but who in their right mind would turn down a 10-year, $250 million deal?  

That being said, Pujols has been one of the most loyal members of any professional organization to date.  How many times do we see super stars holding out for bigger contracts.  Not once did Albert do this.

He didn't want to negotiate his contract during the season because he wanted to focus on one thing only, winning the World Series, and that is exactly what he did.

Of course St. Louis fans are hurt by Albert jumping ship, but follow the words of the great Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened."

Albert provided the St. Louis faithful with many memories, and it's because of his loyalty this occurred.