What’re your thoughts on the Bader trade, i’m a jays fan but man i feel like Bader was the man for St. louis , i also just don’t like the yankees very much so.
Hank Aaron was a right handed hitter. Let’s not get carried away and call Pujols the best when Hammerin’ Hank batted from the right side and has better numbers across the board than anybody in history.
I went to the game where he hit 700 last minute. One of the best baseball experiences of my life (even as a Dodgers fan). Love Albert and so glad he got to 700.
Man i forget there’s a whole generation whose never seen what this man was able to do. I started watching baseball in 2002ish as a young kid with my late grandfather who was a huge Cardinals fan. I feel honored to have seen the Greatness I did for almost 10 years. There were “moments” as a Cardinals fan when I could almost feel he was going to do something big everytime he came up. It’s also important to note he wasn’t just a homerun or power hitter, this dude was as pure of a hitter as it came. Struck out 1/3rd of the time as the average major leaguer today, if you needed a single through the right side he’d do it, or if you needed a grand slam in a big moment, he produced. That 10 year stretch was the closest I’ll ever be to watching a true baseball god.
@@AlexG-nr2eb Actually one better: the man achieved a DECADE TRIPLE CROWN, leading the NL in BA, HR, and RBI for the '00s. Only player in MLB history to ever do so.
SportStorm once again thank you for such an amazing video! As a Cardinals fan, it is incredible to watch him now be a member of 700 HR club and smiling the whole way thru while giving fans of my generation a glimpse into the past. Got to see him twice this year, both in pinch hit situations (he walked against Aroldis Chapman of all people, and then struck out on the other), and while he didn't do anything special, I will still have the memory of HIM forever. Cheers Albert, thank you SportStorm, and here's to a great Cardinals October!
As a Braves fan, I have always admired Albert Pujols and am so happy for him to reach the 700 HR club. Watching him, the Cardinals, and Houston duke it out year in and year out back in the day was always worth the watch. Congrats Pujols, you deserve it! First ballot HOF!⚾
From a Phillies fan, thanks for the memories Albert. We are sad to see Albert go. So much respect for him. He was/is the best. Seeing him get to retire a cardinal was a big deal and necessary. Glad the Cardinals brought him home. We wish Albert a happy and healthy retirement and future. It has been a pleasure witnessing greatness. From all MLB fans, thank you.
As a life long Astros fan who lived thru the pujols terrorizing us era im very happy for him and always had a feeling he would make this list. He was too good. Baseball isn’t baseball without him
I’m a Cubs fan and I gotta say this is the only time I’ve cheered for a guy on the Cardinals. What he’s been able to do is incredible and I almost wish he wasn’t retiring so he could keep climbing the leaderboard
This man has taken me from a person who couldn’t stand to watch baseball on TV to someone who has watched pretty much every Cards game this season. Man is absolutely mythical. The Machine❤
He debuted for the cardinals days before I was born, I grew up loving baseball and pujols was my favorite player. Watching 2006 and 2011 World Series was great, seeing his 2022 is magic, I’m hoping for the World Series
Watching Albert get to 700 has been real special. I was at his first two games back at Busch in '19 (3:01 & 3:17), and the first ovation and home run after he returned - I thought - were amazing moments in themselves. But this year tops those by a country mile. It's been a good time to be a Cardinals fan.
My mom and I are Royals fans, but just before the All-Star break this year, she suggested we go see Pujols at Busch before he retired. I did some research - and discovered that he was close to 700 HR but not many thought he could actually get there. We went August 13th, the second of three home games vs. the Brewers - Pujols came in as a pinch hitter and struck out, and the Cardinals lost by 1 run. I knew he only played half-time and there was a chance we wouldn't see him that day. Not what we came for, so I dropped a hint to my mom that I thought we'd see him and maybe see him do good things if we decided to stay another day. Despite #687, no one was really thinking he was on a hot streak at this point in August - but that all changed August 14. We saw him hit the incredible 688 and 689. I will have the exquisite joy of looking at my scorecard for that game for the rest of my life. On the night he hit 700, we heard about 699 and I said to my mom, "Let's listen, maybe he gives us another two-homer game." We jumped up and down when he did. The Royals had a disappointing year (with promise, I say), but following Pujols has given me an interest in the other Cards and they will be my postseason favorite this year. I'm sure everyone will be watching to see just what this Cardinals team of amazing caliber does with their 3 veteran laps for victory. P.S. - I didn't remember this because I was a kid and not greatly interested in baseball at the time, but my mom and I also saw Pujols hit his (to date) final postseason homer in Game 3 of the 2014 ALDS - Angels @ Royals. It was also the game with Mike Trout's 1st postseason hit - a home run. I seem to be lucky!
Man you really got to see some important games! Lifelong stories to tell (albeit if trout will ever get another chance to play in the playoffs because of the horrible angels)
As someone who has been watching major league baseball for 35 years, Pujols' 2nd half has been one of the most amazing things I've seen and I could not be happier for him. Congrats to the greatest right-handed hitter I've ever seen.
As a lifelong cards fan who fell off of baseball for the past 5 years. Pujols coming back reignited my love for the game. Seeing the machine in action this year has been something truly special
Pujols was the reason why i became a cardinals fan as a kid. The 700 chase season made me feel like a kid again and loved every second of it. Pujols has always done it the right way on and off the field and is the epitome of a legend.
It's hard to put into words what this last few months was like. Legit we got to see the last glimpse of prime Machine, it's a legit turning back the clock to his mvp level and I hope we get to see a few post season slams to really send it off!
I got to see 690 while in STL visiting my parents on vacation last august. God, I almost wept in front of my own father. To see my final game ft. Pujols while he was a player, and to see him hit a PH-GS... This Man is a Deity to the Game of Baseball. End of discussion
Great video. Thank you for making this. It really brought me back to the day I plucked rookie Albert Pujols off free agency on my fantasy league. Felt like such a genius!
I was at the game he hit 3 homers in the World Series. Him leaving was the first and still most impactful loss I’d ever felt as a sports fan.. Seeing what he did this year was amazing, but no matter what October brings, I’m so glad he ended his career with the birds on the bat. Greatest hitter of all time. El Hombre.
Great job putting this together! As a lifelong Cardinals fan, Watching his career has been a treat. I even cheered for him when he was on other teams. Seeing come home for his final season has been nothing short of amazing! Thx for the upload:)
Albert made me fall in love with baseball, seeing him leave will 100% make me cry. Remember watching the 2006 ws highlights like 20 times as a kid, I even wore number 5 in little league
I've said this a lot in baseball RUclips this year but I'm going to say it again. Being a cardinal fan now for 28 years. This is one of the most, if not the most spoiled fan base because we get all of the greats that come through somehow and it's not the way that the Yankees do it like the Cardinals are the blueprint for small market success consistently or worst stretch since I've been alive? Was like 2015 to 2018 when they just didn't make the playoffs but was still an 85 to 90 win team and I honestly got numb to all of it. But this year really helped because I was always told that I was witnessing greatness with Albert and Molina and wayno and I can list the several others but just these three since two of them for sure are retiring and if there is a God, this team will win the world series this year
I'm a Phillies fan myself and it's so amazing to watch Pujols roll. There's something about him that just screams the concept of 'legend'. I'm always going to root for my Phillies but if they can't make it past the Wild Card round, then it's Cardinals all the way. I will be in unironic and genuine tears when he steps up to the plate for the last time.
My favorite part of these videos is the slow build up of the story/beat followed by the beat drop and an iconic highlight. I love that you re-use the same song.
Man, I don’t even have words for what I’ve seen this year. I remember reminding everyone around me to soak it in between 2001-2011, because we are witnessing greatness. Then he comes back this year and the run he’s been on in the 2nd half has been vintage Albert. It gives me chills and puts a lump in my throat knowing it’s coming to an end, but thankfully, it has ended beautifully.
I've seen him in his prime man it's truly amazing getting to see him again be himself to close his career. Very nostalgic and I'm not even a Cardinal fan.
I am just simply amazed to watch Judge break AL history and Pujols doing so as well. I don't think we realized how close he could have come to not doing so. There is not much of the baseball season left at all, so he did it in one game!
I'm so happy to hear young people are getting to enjoy Albert. He truly is something special. I only wish you could have seen how great he was all around. He had to get moved to first base to cover up an injured elbow and inability to throw when he was young because he was not gonna aggravate it fielding and he was too good to take out of the lineup and, something we should've seen coming with him coming up as a 3B and only moving to LF to make room for Rolen, by the next year with a healthy elbow he morphed into the best fielding 1B I've ever seen. Better than Texiera, Helton, Lee, any of them. He was rangy, reliable digging throws form the dirt, had a special relationship with Yadi to sneak up behind guys for Yadi to pick off, amazing at tracking down foul pop ups, and that was bolted on to hitting like he has in the second half but every half of every year (and striking out a lot less, he felt impossible to strike out). Such an incredible player
Growing up a Cardinals fan in the 2000s, I was a huge Pujols fan. I vividly remember his home run off Lidge in 2005. Seeing him come back and do this is absolutely unbelievable!
I was lucky enough to barely remember McGwires 98 season at age 4 and then being super lucky to witness pujols rookie year at age 7 lol all that and being a die hard cardinals fan was just amazing. Broke my heart when he left after 2011 probably could’ve won one or two more championships but he came back when he was supposed too and I was lucky enough to see him wearing birds on the bat one more time. Baseball will miss him and yadi. This is a well put together video.
Glad you got to see Waino, Yadi, and Pujols play in person for the first time! I actually saw them all play for the first time on Sunday at Dodger Stadium haha it felt surreal being there knowing that Pujols reached 700 in that exact same venue I was at 2 days earlier.
As a baseball fan, I was a so happy I was able to witness this live. Shout out to Albert. What an amazing career, topped off by his incredible personality. Cheers SportStorm!
As a Cubs fan, I saw his prime against the NL Central. I hated him because he was a Cubs killer, I was happy to see him go to the AL. Who knows he probably would be chasing Aaron if he stayed on the Cardinals. Even as a Cubs fan its awesome to see him get to 700 HRs.
Man it’s crazy to think about how many young fans haven’t really got to see Albert at his best, I’ve been watching him since he came into the league and I was cardinals fan as a kid. I was lucky enough to be able to take my son to see Albert and he hit 698, it was magical. The Machine really is something else, it reminds me of my childhood watching him this season.
dude growing up in the 2000's an being able to watch his career unfold is just truly awesome. that man will be talked about for a long time. an has time goes his story will be more popular.
As a long time baseball fan and admirer of Albert Pujols, I'm so happy he was able to eclipse 700. The man is truly one of the greatest to ever play the game.
I was also lucky enough to see Albert in his prime and didn’t know what I was seeing. My dad took me to a dozen Braves games in my childhood and me being anywhere’s form 5-13 years old I loved the game of baseball, but didn’t appreciate the legend I was watching. I’ve been lucky enough in my 26 years to see Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert play. Along with meeting legends likes Chipper Jones. Kudos to you man. Glad got got to see all of them play.
I work next to Busch Stadium. This has been such an amazing year to be a Cards fan. Albert coming home, Yadi and Waino breaking the battery record and the trio retiring together. There will be a lot of tears, some from myself for sure, on Sunday during the last home game before the playoffs.
I have lived my entire life with Albert playing, and growing up a cardinals fan, I modeled my batting after him and my catching after Yadi. I’d say I took after Waino but pitching never stuck. Him coming back to STL was one of the best things to happen for both the team and city, as he completes that holy trio that brought two rings and so many fun memories. It’ll be sad to see him go, but I’m glad he’s had such a good career.
Growing up a cardinals fan as i am a Missouri boy such a great video! i went to my first cardinals game in 2002 and watched Pujols and J.D. Drew hit homeruns against the cubs lol
Very cool video, man. I really appreciate seeing all 3 together for 1 more season. I was a doubter, I admit. I thought 21 HRs was too tall of an order. I forgot how great he could be. 🤦🏻♂️
Around the all-star break Albert was only batting a little above .200 with a few homers, but was starting to hit the ball harder. He sure did well in the all-star game home run contest. . Also amazing is how Albert after the all-star break played like back in his youth. He even looked good the few times playing first base instead of DH. Albert along with the Cards getting Montgomery and Qunitana sure changed the Cards season. His run to 700 homers was so exciting i found myself just waiting for his next chance to hit a homer. Then Albert did it in front of his family at Dodger stadium. Just an amazing finish to his career. After Musial and Gibson, he ranks for me following those two players along with Hornsby from the Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb era as the greatest Cardinals ever. Only one more world series winner for him could make it better.
My dad said he thought some of the pitchers were intentionally throwing him easy pitches but I've watched every homer from 685 to 701 and the pitches were all over the place so I think this has to be a legit run for history
I’m a Pirates fan who first started watching when our rivalry with the cards picked up in 2013-16 and I must say, this post season without the pirates in it I’m definitely rooting for the cards to go all the way with yadi Albert and wainwright
Pujols never stopped being a Cardinal. And his comeback in the 2022 season really proved this. I was there with all the fans HOPING for the Cardinals to sign back Pujols, I thought it would only be a dream... And then they actually signed him and all of us Cardinals fans lost our minds. Being a Cardinal is a blessing. We really didn't expect this, yet we got to witness one of the most memorable seasons in the last couple of years. Cardinals really are just a different organization.
I'm a third-generation Cardinals fan. My earliest memories of the Cardinals are of their winning the 1967 World Series over the Boston Red Sox. I attended my first Cardinals game 20 August 1970, a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. of all the magical moments I've seen over the past 55 years, this season has been particularly special. Congratulations to Albert for reaching the 700 home run mark (and I've seen three of the four get there ...Aaron, Bonds, Pujols), as well Yadi and Waino setting the all-time record for starting as battery mates. Let's see if the Cardinals can finish 2022 in the greatest of storybook fashion! Lets Go Cards!
This season has made me realize just how unreal pujols was, unfortunately I was only 19 when he left the cards and didn’t start following baseball closer til 2 years later. Wish I could’ve witnessed the prime of such a beast
I am conflicted, as a Jay's fan I want them to win the WS, but as a baseball fan i want the cards to win. It would be an amazing way to send off 3 former superstars with a WS ring. I can't wait to see how October unfolds.
Great video. As a Cardinal fan, when Albert came up he was instantly an impact. Not just a little but a lot. There were a few seasons he strapped the team on his back while guys came back from injury etc. Glad he came back and retires a Cardinal. Had he stayed, I think it’s possible he could beat bonds.
I remember growing up in the early 2000s watching Pujols in person when the Astros were still in the division. He was an amazing hitter and someone I admired as a baseball player myself. For those years he was on the angels it hurt to see him regress and be injured all the time. However I knew once he signed home he would reach 700 because it just seemed too perfect, Congrats to Albert and the last thing now is an Astros Cardinals World Series!! I want to see that match up one last time on the biggest stage in baseball
Just absolutely unbelievable, blessed to have witnessed it. 13th round with the 18th pick of that round in 1999 amateur draft the Cardinals selected one of the best right handed hitters to ever play with the 402nd overall pick. From almost not drafted in a round of the draft that no longer exists to 700 homeruns, defined all odds from the start of his career to the end to become enshrined in lore of legends. Amazing human Albert Pujols.
The double Pujols hit in game 6 in 2011, the last hit of his Cardinals career (until his return in 2022), was monumental. One out in the 9th inning, no one on base and down two runs - in what was an elimination game, and to that point Pujols was 0 for his previous 10 at bats. He did what great players do and found a way to get on base, even when the chips were so far down. That hit setup history, which resulted in one of the greatest endings in World Series history.
@SportStorm, I'm going to show my age here but whatever....I was 21 when Albert was a rookie and it was amazing to go to the ballpark on average 20 times a year for those 10 years and watch him play. One of my favorite games was when he hit 3 homers on Easter and the last was a walk off. The feeling in the bottom of the 9th was you just knew it was going to happen. Almost like you could see into the future. Anyway, thanks for a great video.
Wow! Very good. Albert Pujols has always been one of my favorite players and to see him join such an exclusive club is wonderful to witness. Congratulations to a fist ballot future Hall of Famer. Thank you for the memories.
I went to that game on the 20th at Petco too! Awesome to see Albert tear it up down the stretch to reach this milestone, had every person at Petco standing for every at bat. How can you not be romantic about baseball!
very well done video. for those that have an interest in the cards and pujols, this season full filled the highest expectations. Now hopefully the guys can pull off some magic in October, Liked to see Goldy and Arenaldo win one. This line up should have 4 hall of famers with albert, yadi, arenaldo, and Goldy. Adam’s stats do not add up to HOF compared to pitchers winning 300 games but he is a HOF too to cards fans.
Imagine being Phil Bickford. Not only you are having a horrible season as you dropped off the face of the Earth, but you're now in the history books for all the wrong reasons. Here's all the people the gave up 700 to Ruth, Aaron, Bonds and Albert: Tommy Bridges: 6x All Star Ken Brett: 1x All Star Jake Peavy: 3x All Star, Triple Crown Winner, Cy Young Phil Bickford: ...nothing. Edit. My guy got DFA'd today with Yency Almonte coming back 😂
I mean, it might be bad now but years from now Bickford can tell his grandkids he is the one that gave up Pujols 700th, which is honestly kind of a cool story in itself
That’s just how life works.. to me it would be an honor to let pujols hit #700 off me. A player that legendary? If u love the game this is what it’s all about.
Thank you bro i know your not a cardinals fan but i am and when i was a kid i got lucky enough my dad took me too see a the redbirds and i saw a rookie Albert Pujols hit his first Home Run at Busch Stadium two and thanks to you my kids know why he is my Legend because don’t forget heros get remembered but Albert never dies
Just think of this… who in their right mind would expect a 42year old to hit 21(+) home runs and be nearly the best hitter in the league? Let alone pay that person only $5mil to do it?! The expectation from everyone at the start of the season was, “ehh, at least he’ll get to 5 home runs and maybe get 30-50 at bats” Never been so glad to be proven wrong! Insane! God I love Pujols! God I love the Cardinals!
My wife and I have made several Cardinal games this year, including the last 3 at home, just to be part of this amazing season. Being from Houston and remembering those La Russa years. I once commented. Damn, Pujols is the Astros' nemesis. Someone in the conversation said, to be fair he's everyone's nemesis. TRUTH !
I remember when he hit 600 and I felt sad we didn't get to see him in a Cardinals uniform for it and I thought it'd be so amazing to get to see him back for 700. Never assigned any actual likelihood to it ever happening. I guess I do like the DH if it's going to bring me moments like this. What an awesome last season. I hope Pujols comes back for one more last, last season after this since he's the 3rd best hitter on the whole team. He's too good for STL to hang it up now.
Good for him, he deserves it. As a Cubs fan, I used to dread when he came up to bat. I would look at whoever was near me in the room and say "Yeah it's probably gonna be a homer." They would ask how I knew. My response was simply "Trust me." Surefire Hall of Famer and amazing career. Congrats to him.
3:10 as a lifelong cards who got to watch almost all of pujols great career, that might be the greatest moment. It was jus something about that dude in Busch, he was a different player. Even at that old and the body not being the same he went on the most improbable road to 700 I’ve ever seen
I was so lucky to be at the 8/10 game in Colorado during his second half hot streak. He hit a home run straight over my head. That was one of the best sports moments of my life!
been a cards fan all my life, i remember when he left to go to the Angels ppl in STL said he’s got nothing left. seeing him come back and looking like prime purple was just sick
I think the Pujols is the modern day version of Ruth + Aaron + Cobb + WIlliams because I do not think there will another player who will hit 700 hr or 2200+ RBI. He and Aaron are the only two players with 700 and 2000 RBIs.
I was at the game with a buddy of mine when Albert hit his first home run. My buddy who was a good college player and spent a couple of years in the minors told me at the time that Albert had perhaps the sweetest swing he had ever seen. Man was he ever right.
Growing up a reds fan during his prime he was one of the few players I always wanted on my team a game changer anytime he stepped to the plate nothing but respect for Albert
i was in 4th grade when the cardinals won in 2011 and for that to be his send off was amazing, now if only we could have a ws this year for his career send off it would be a story for the ages
As a Rangers fan (who was present at Rangers Ballpark the night he hit three home runs in a World Series game), his role in our 2011 collapse is always a painful memory. Nevertheless I do admit this has been a great story watching him get his stroke back and getting to 700.
As a baseball fan and a Cardinals fan, this season has been nothing short of incredible
Probably the best season in the last ten years (IMO), with Cubs WS coming second.
Yeah I’m a cardinals fan to seeing one last season from Pujols Yadi and possibly Waino
Amazing season. One of the best we will ever get
I’ve never really liked the cardinals but this season has made me love them
What’re your thoughts on the Bader trade, i’m a jays fan but man i feel like Bader was the man for St. louis , i also just don’t like the yankees very much so.
Best right handed hitter in MLB history and we got to witness his whole career. I don’t think we’ll ever see someone like him ever again.
Hank Aaron was a right handed hitter. Let’s not get carried away and call Pujols the best when Hammerin’ Hank batted from the right side and has better numbers across the board than anybody in history.
hank also never faced as many skilled pitchers as albert
He’s number 2 behind Hank which is damn good company imo
he is right behind hank. also we can't compare players 50 years apart.
Alberts peak offensive peak is better than Aaron
I went to the game where he hit 700 last minute. One of the best baseball experiences of my life (even as a Dodgers fan). Love Albert and so glad he got to 700.
Dude that’s incredible. I would have absolutely lost it witnessing it in person
How the heck did you get last minute tickets lol
right on dude
Lies lol those tickets were gone by the last minute
@@Saltychip294nah there was still seats available on Vividseats a few hours before the game. And last minute could mean same day.
This whole year with Judge and Pujols both chasing history has been really good for baseball. It's good to see. Needed a year like this.
1998 all over but in a different, better way almost
Cubs fan here. Pujols was scary but epic. What a magical final season and it's unreal he got to do it in a Cards' jersey
Yep, he gave us nightmares but fuck. He got his storybook ending and was definitely deserved
Man i forget there’s a whole generation whose never seen what this man was able to do. I started watching baseball in 2002ish as a young kid with my late grandfather who was a huge Cardinals fan. I feel honored to have seen the Greatness I did for almost 10 years. There were “moments” as a Cardinals fan when I could almost feel he was going to do something big everytime he came up. It’s also important to note he wasn’t just a homerun or power hitter, this dude was as pure of a hitter as it came. Struck out 1/3rd of the time as the average major leaguer today, if you needed a single through the right side he’d do it, or if you needed a grand slam in a big moment, he produced. That 10 year stretch was the closest I’ll ever be to watching a true baseball god.
Literally one of the 4 greatest baseball players of ALL time among thousands, i mean think about that, thats not even hyperbole lol
The most Amazing stat to define his prime I think it's when he hit 49 HRs and strikeout 50 times in a season, just think about it
@@AlexG-nr2eb couldnt believe he couldnt get to 50 HR argh lol
@@AlexG-nr2eb Actually one better: the man achieved a DECADE TRIPLE CROWN, leading the NL in BA, HR, and RBI for the '00s. Only player in MLB history to ever do so.
@@dan7291able One of the Greatest 3
People are casting aside Bonds due to illicit PED usage to get the HR record
SportStorm once again thank you for such an amazing video! As a Cardinals fan, it is incredible to watch him now be a member of 700 HR club and smiling the whole way thru while giving fans of my generation a glimpse into the past. Got to see him twice this year, both in pinch hit situations (he walked against Aroldis Chapman of all people, and then struck out on the other), and while he didn't do anything special, I will still have the memory of HIM forever. Cheers Albert, thank you SportStorm, and here's to a great Cardinals October!
I’m glad you enjoyed the vid!
As a Braves fan, I have always admired Albert Pujols and am so happy for him to reach the 700 HR club. Watching him, the Cardinals, and Houston duke it out year in and year out back in the day was always worth the watch. Congrats Pujols, you deserve it! First ballot HOF!⚾
From a Phillies fan, thanks for the memories Albert. We are sad to see Albert go. So much respect for him. He was/is the best. Seeing him get to retire a cardinal was a big deal and necessary. Glad the Cardinals brought him home. We wish Albert a happy and healthy retirement and future. It has been a pleasure witnessing greatness. From all MLB fans, thank you.
As a life long Astros fan who lived thru the pujols terrorizing us era im very happy for him and always had a feeling he would make this list. He was too good. Baseball isn’t baseball without him
Same here. Held a grudge for quite a while, but that was so long ago now that it’s goofy to hang on to it
@@shidditiddis same. He was what I consider the most disliked sports player ever for me. I respect him very much and all that he has achieved tho
@@shidditiddis Didn't you come around when all the Astros came to the Cardinals?
@@zgillet what does this mean
There's still a chance he can deposit another one on the train tracks before it's all said and done.
I’m a Cubs fan and I gotta say this is the only time I’ve cheered for a guy on the Cardinals. What he’s been able to do is incredible and I almost wish he wasn’t retiring so he could keep climbing the leaderboard
This man has taken me from a person who couldn’t stand to watch baseball on TV to someone who has watched pretty much every Cards game this season. Man is absolutely mythical. The Machine❤
He debuted for the cardinals days before I was born, I grew up loving baseball and pujols was my favorite player. Watching 2006 and 2011 World Series was great, seeing his 2022 is magic, I’m hoping for the World Series
Couldn't have happened to a nicer man. So so happy for Albert! Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
Watching Albert get to 700 has been real special. I was at his first two games back at Busch in '19 (3:01 & 3:17), and the first ovation and home run after he returned - I thought - were amazing moments in themselves. But this year tops those by a country mile. It's been a good time to be a Cardinals fan.
My mom and I are Royals fans, but just before the All-Star break this year, she suggested we go see Pujols at Busch before he retired. I did some research - and discovered that he was close to 700 HR but not many thought he could actually get there. We went August 13th, the second of three home games vs. the Brewers - Pujols came in as a pinch hitter and struck out, and the Cardinals lost by 1 run. I knew he only played half-time and there was a chance we wouldn't see him that day. Not what we came for, so I dropped a hint to my mom that I thought we'd see him and maybe see him do good things if we decided to stay another day.
Despite #687, no one was really thinking he was on a hot streak at this point in August - but that all changed August 14. We saw him hit the incredible 688 and 689. I will have the exquisite joy of looking at my scorecard for that game for the rest of my life. On the night he hit 700, we heard about 699 and I said to my mom, "Let's listen, maybe he gives us another two-homer game." We jumped up and down when he did. The Royals had a disappointing year (with promise, I say), but following Pujols has given me an interest in the other Cards and they will be my postseason favorite this year. I'm sure everyone will be watching to see just what this Cardinals team of amazing caliber does with their 3 veteran laps for victory.
P.S. - I didn't remember this because I was a kid and not greatly interested in baseball at the time, but my mom and I also saw Pujols hit his (to date) final postseason homer in Game 3 of the 2014 ALDS - Angels @ Royals. It was also the game with Mike Trout's 1st postseason hit - a home run. I seem to be lucky!
Thanks for sharing! Really cool you got to see him hit 688 and 699
Man you really got to see some important games! Lifelong stories to tell (albeit if trout will ever get another chance to play in the playoffs because of the horrible angels)
As someone who has been watching major league baseball for 35 years, Pujols' 2nd half has been one of the most amazing things I've seen and I could not be happier for him. Congrats to the greatest right-handed hitter I've ever seen.
As a lifelong cards fan who fell off of baseball for the past 5 years. Pujols coming back reignited my love for the game. Seeing the machine in action this year has been something truly special
It not only brought Cards fans together, it united all of Baseball. Every fan of all teams essentially so to speak wanted to see Albert get to 700.
From St. Louis, couldn't be more proud that he hit 700 in a cardinals jersey.
Watching him since a kid from start now to finish, he is our generations babe Ruth. And now with judge hitting 61, God I love baseball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was at the game he hit 700. It was the second two-home run game I saw him get within the span of two weeks. It was truly an amazing moment.
Pujols was the reason why i became a cardinals fan as a kid. The 700 chase season made me feel like a kid again and loved every second of it. Pujols has always done it the right way on and off the field and is the epitome of a legend.
It's hard to put into words what this last few months was like. Legit we got to see the last glimpse of prime Machine, it's a legit turning back the clock to his mvp level and I hope we get to see a few post season slams to really send it off!
I got to see 690 while in STL visiting my parents on vacation last august. God, I almost wept in front of my own father. To see my final game ft. Pujols while he was a player, and to see him hit a PH-GS...
This Man is a Deity to the Game of Baseball. End of discussion
Such incredible bat speed through the zone! Here in Anaheim, we got to enjoy him reach 500 and 600 HR. A class act and amazing teammate!
Great video. Thank you for making this. It really brought me back to the day I plucked rookie Albert Pujols off free agency on my fantasy league. Felt like such a genius!
Thank you!
Albert was the perfect ambassador for baseball both on and off the field and I could not be prouder to be a lifelong Cardinals fan, period.
Pujols was my #1 hitter for All-Star Baseball 2005 and Mark Prior was my ace!
I was at the game he hit 3 homers in the World Series. Him leaving was the first and still most impactful loss I’d ever felt as a sports fan.. Seeing what he did this year was amazing, but no matter what October brings, I’m so glad he ended his career with the birds on the bat. Greatest hitter of all time. El Hombre.
Great job putting this together! As a lifelong Cardinals fan, Watching his career has been a treat. I even cheered for him when he was on other teams. Seeing come home for his final season has been nothing short of amazing! Thx for the upload:)
Albert made me fall in love with baseball, seeing him leave will 100% make me cry. Remember watching the 2006 ws highlights like 20 times as a kid, I even wore number 5 in little league
He's a true inspiration to all the 44 yr old out there.
I've said this a lot in baseball RUclips this year but I'm going to say it again. Being a cardinal fan now for 28 years. This is one of the most, if not the most spoiled fan base because we get all of the greats that come through somehow and it's not the way that the Yankees do it like the Cardinals are the blueprint for small market success consistently or worst stretch since I've been alive? Was like 2015 to 2018 when they just didn't make the playoffs but was still an 85 to 90 win team and I honestly got numb to all of it. But this year really helped because I was always told that I was witnessing greatness with Albert and Molina and wayno and I can list the several others but just these three since two of them for sure are retiring and if there is a God, this team will win the world series this year
I'm a Phillies fan myself and it's so amazing to watch Pujols roll. There's something about him that just screams the concept of 'legend'. I'm always going to root for my Phillies but if they can't make it past the Wild Card round, then it's Cardinals all the way. I will be in unironic and genuine tears when he steps up to the plate for the last time.
My favorite part of these videos is the slow build up of the story/beat followed by the beat drop and an iconic highlight. I love that you re-use the same song.
Man, I don’t even have words for what I’ve seen this year.
I remember reminding everyone around me to soak it in between 2001-2011, because we are witnessing greatness.
Then he comes back this year and the run he’s been on in the 2nd half has been vintage Albert. It gives me chills and puts a lump in my throat knowing it’s coming to an end, but thankfully, it has ended beautifully.
I've seen him in his prime man it's truly amazing getting to see him again be himself to close his career. Very nostalgic and I'm not even a Cardinal fan.
I am just simply amazed to watch Judge break AL history and Pujols doing so as well. I don't think we realized how close he could have come to not doing so. There is not much of the baseball season left at all, so he did it in one game!
I'm so happy to hear young people are getting to enjoy Albert. He truly is something special. I only wish you could have seen how great he was all around. He had to get moved to first base to cover up an injured elbow and inability to throw when he was young because he was not gonna aggravate it fielding and he was too good to take out of the lineup and, something we should've seen coming with him coming up as a 3B and only moving to LF to make room for Rolen, by the next year with a healthy elbow he morphed into the best fielding 1B I've ever seen. Better than Texiera, Helton, Lee, any of them. He was rangy, reliable digging throws form the dirt, had a special relationship with Yadi to sneak up behind guys for Yadi to pick off, amazing at tracking down foul pop ups, and that was bolted on to hitting like he has in the second half but every half of every year (and striking out a lot less, he felt impossible to strike out). Such an incredible player
Now you have to make the road to 61+ was perfect😂 this is an insane season for baseball fans
Crazy that league offense was so bad at the beginning of the season
Growing up a Cardinals fan in the 2000s, I was a huge Pujols fan. I vividly remember his home run off Lidge in 2005. Seeing him come back and do this is absolutely unbelievable!
I was lucky enough to barely remember McGwires 98 season at age 4 and then being super lucky to witness pujols rookie year at age 7 lol all that and being a die hard cardinals fan was just amazing. Broke my heart when he left after 2011 probably could’ve won one or two more championships but he came back when he was supposed too and I was lucky enough to see him wearing birds on the bat one more time. Baseball will miss him and yadi. This is a well put together video.
Glad you got to see Waino, Yadi, and Pujols play in person for the first time! I actually saw them all play for the first time on Sunday at Dodger Stadium haha it felt surreal being there knowing that Pujols reached 700 in that exact same venue I was at 2 days earlier.
As a baseball fan, I was a so happy I was able to witness this live. Shout out to Albert. What an amazing career, topped off by his incredible personality. Cheers SportStorm!
As a Cubs fan, I saw his prime against the NL Central. I hated him because he was a Cubs killer, I was happy to see him go to the AL. Who knows he probably would be chasing Aaron if he stayed on the Cardinals. Even as a Cubs fan its awesome to see him get to 700 HRs.
Man it’s crazy to think about how many young fans haven’t really got to see Albert at his best, I’ve been watching him since he came into the league and I was cardinals fan as a kid. I was lucky enough to be able to take my son to see Albert and he hit 698, it was magical. The Machine really is something else, it reminds me of my childhood watching him this season.
dude growing up in the 2000's an being able to watch his career unfold is just truly awesome. that man will be talked about for a long time. an has time goes his story will be more popular.
10:00 Yes dude. That game slaps, my brother and I spent hours in that dynasty mode, it was so good.
As a long time baseball fan and admirer of Albert Pujols, I'm so happy he was able to eclipse 700. The man is truly one of the greatest to ever play the game.
I was also lucky enough to see Albert in his prime and didn’t know what I was seeing. My dad took me to a dozen Braves games in my childhood and me being anywhere’s form 5-13 years old I loved the game of baseball, but didn’t appreciate the legend I was watching. I’ve been lucky enough in my 26 years to see Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert play. Along with meeting legends likes Chipper Jones. Kudos to you man. Glad got got to see all of them play.
I work next to Busch Stadium. This has been such an amazing year to be a Cards fan. Albert coming home, Yadi and Waino breaking the battery record and the trio retiring together. There will be a lot of tears, some from myself for sure, on Sunday during the last home game before the playoffs.
I have lived my entire life with Albert playing, and growing up a cardinals fan, I modeled my batting after him and my catching after Yadi. I’d say I took after Waino but pitching never stuck. Him coming back to STL was one of the best things to happen for both the team and city, as he completes that holy trio that brought two rings and so many fun memories. It’ll be sad to see him go, but I’m glad he’s had such a good career.
Growing up a cardinals fan as i am a Missouri boy such a great video! i went to my first cardinals game in 2002 and watched Pujols and J.D. Drew hit homeruns against the cubs lol
Albert did it the right way. Showing up season after season and setting records along the way. What a honor to watch the machine play
Very cool video, man. I really appreciate seeing all 3 together for 1 more season. I was a doubter, I admit. I thought 21 HRs was too tall of an order. I forgot how great he could be. 🤦🏻♂️
Around the all-star break Albert was only batting a little above .200 with a few homers, but was starting to hit the ball harder. He sure did well in the all-star game home run contest. . Also amazing is how Albert after the all-star break played like back in his youth. He even looked good the few times playing first base instead of DH. Albert along with the Cards getting Montgomery and Qunitana sure changed the Cards season. His run to 700 homers was so exciting i found myself just waiting for his next chance to hit a homer. Then Albert did it in front of his family at Dodger stadium. Just an amazing finish to his career. After Musial and Gibson, he ranks for me following those two players along with Hornsby from the Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb era as the greatest Cardinals ever. Only one more world series winner for him could make it better.
Just wanted to add, this was a good recap on Albert.
My dad said he thought some of the pitchers were intentionally throwing him easy pitches but I've watched every homer from 685 to 701 and the pitches were all over the place so I think this has to be a legit run for history
He's killed every pitcher type at the plate, save for Submarine style throwers since they're a dead breed of pitcher
I’m a Pirates fan who first started watching when our rivalry with the cards picked up in 2013-16 and I must say, this post season without the pirates in it I’m definitely rooting for the cards to go all the way with yadi Albert and wainwright
Pujols never stopped being a Cardinal. And his comeback in the 2022 season really proved this. I was there with all the fans HOPING for the Cardinals to sign back Pujols, I thought it would only be a dream... And then they actually signed him and all of us Cardinals fans lost our minds. Being a Cardinal is a blessing. We really didn't expect this, yet we got to witness one of the most memorable seasons in the last couple of years. Cardinals really are just a different organization.
Great video! Love it! He’s always been my favorite player and I’m so happy to see him end his career like this!
it's wild how much better your videos are getting, keep it up fr
I'm a third-generation Cardinals fan. My earliest memories of the Cardinals are of their winning the 1967 World Series over the Boston Red Sox. I attended my first Cardinals game 20 August 1970, a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. of all the magical moments I've seen over the past 55 years, this season has been particularly special. Congratulations to Albert for reaching the 700 home run mark (and I've seen three of the four get there ...Aaron, Bonds, Pujols), as well Yadi and Waino setting the all-time record for starting as battery mates. Let's see if the Cardinals can finish 2022 in the greatest of storybook fashion! Lets Go Cards!
This season has made me realize just how unreal pujols was, unfortunately I was only 19 when he left the cards and didn’t start following baseball closer til 2 years later. Wish I could’ve witnessed the prime of such a beast
I am conflicted, as a Jay's fan I want them to win the WS, but as a baseball fan i want the cards to win. It would be an amazing way to send off 3 former superstars with a WS ring. I can't wait to see how October unfolds.
3 future hall of famers hell of a way to go out on top of that was to happen
Great video. As a Cardinal fan, when Albert came up he was instantly an impact. Not just a little but a lot. There were a few seasons he strapped the team on his back while guys came back from injury etc. Glad he came back and retires a Cardinal. Had he stayed, I think it’s possible he could beat bonds.
I remember growing up in the early 2000s watching Pujols in person when the Astros were still in the division. He was an amazing hitter and someone I admired as a baseball player myself. For those years he was on the angels it hurt to see him regress and be injured all the time. However I knew once he signed home he would reach 700 because it just seemed too perfect, Congrats to Albert and the last thing now is an Astros Cardinals World Series!! I want to see that match up one last time on the biggest stage in baseball
Just absolutely unbelievable, blessed to have witnessed it. 13th round with the 18th pick of that round in 1999 amateur draft the Cardinals selected one of the best right handed hitters to ever play with the 402nd overall pick. From almost not drafted in a round of the draft that no longer exists to 700 homeruns, defined all odds from the start of his career to the end to become enshrined in lore of legends. Amazing human Albert Pujols.
The double Pujols hit in game 6 in 2011, the last hit of his Cardinals career (until his return in 2022), was monumental. One out in the 9th inning, no one on base and down two runs - in what was an elimination game, and to that point Pujols was 0 for his previous 10 at bats. He did what great players do and found a way to get on base, even when the chips were so far down. That hit setup history, which resulted in one of the greatest endings in World Series history.
He was must watch. If Albert was at bat you stopped what you were doing. Miss those time in Cardinals baseball, thanks for the memories!
Day one of asking for 1991 Twins story
Yes please!!!!!! Ill ask with you.
The 1991 World Series needs it's own video
I’ll write them down on the documentary list
Yes please
a story of to never give up, even when it seems impossible. Impossibility is something to strive for.
@SportStorm, I'm going to show my age here but whatever....I was 21 when Albert was a rookie and it was amazing to go to the ballpark on average 20 times a year for those 10 years and watch him play. One of my favorite games was when he hit 3 homers on Easter and the last was a walk off. The feeling in the bottom of the 9th was you just knew it was going to happen. Almost like you could see into the future. Anyway, thanks for a great video.
Wow! Very good. Albert Pujols has always been one of my favorite players and to see him join such an exclusive club is wonderful to witness. Congratulations to a fist ballot future Hall of Famer. Thank you for the memories.
If he's not the second unanimous first-ballot HOF selection it'll be a travesty.
I went to that game on the 20th at Petco too! Awesome to see Albert tear it up down the stretch to reach this milestone, had every person at Petco standing for every at bat. How can you not be romantic about baseball!
Loveing witnessing this season, absolutely incredible
very well done video. for those that have an interest in the cards and pujols, this season full filled the highest expectations. Now hopefully the guys can pull off some magic in October, Liked to see Goldy and Arenaldo win one. This line up should have 4 hall of famers with albert, yadi, arenaldo, and Goldy. Adam’s stats do not add up to HOF compared to pitchers winning 300 games but he is a HOF too to cards fans.
Imagine being Phil Bickford. Not only you are having a horrible season as you dropped off the face of the Earth, but you're now in the history books for all the wrong reasons.
Here's all the people the gave up 700 to Ruth, Aaron, Bonds and Albert:
Tommy Bridges: 6x All Star
Ken Brett: 1x All Star
Jake Peavy: 3x All Star, Triple Crown Winner, Cy Young
Phil Bickford: ...nothing.
Edit. My guy got DFA'd today with Yency Almonte coming back 😂
I mean, it might be bad now but years from now Bickford can tell his grandkids he is the one that gave up Pujols 700th, which is honestly kind of a cool story in itself
That’s just how life works.. to me it would be an honor to let pujols hit #700 off me. A player that legendary? If u love the game this is what it’s all about.
Also the dude who gave up bonds' all time 756 record did nothing Mike Bacsik.
Thank you bro i know your not a cardinals fan but i am and when i was a kid i got lucky enough my dad took me too see a the redbirds and i saw a rookie Albert Pujols hit his first Home Run at Busch Stadium two and thanks to you my kids know why he is my Legend because don’t forget heros get remembered but Albert never dies
Just think of this… who in their right mind would expect a 42year old to hit 21(+) home runs and be nearly the best hitter in the league? Let alone pay that person only $5mil to do it?!
The expectation from everyone at the start of the season was, “ehh, at least he’ll get to 5 home runs and maybe get 30-50 at bats”
Never been so glad to be proven wrong!
Insane! God I love Pujols!
God I love the Cardinals!
“Like the old boys, they were golden. They had that special pride, when they were done they were done. Nobody had to show them the door.”
Even as a cubs fan this season hes having is a joy to witness
My wife and I have made several Cardinal games this year, including the last 3 at home, just to be part of this amazing season. Being from Houston and remembering those La Russa years. I once commented. Damn, Pujols is the Astros' nemesis. Someone in the conversation said, to be fair he's everyone's nemesis. TRUTH !
Professionally done and entertaining! Thanks for posting. Go Cards!
he should come back one more year
I remember when he hit 600 and I felt sad we didn't get to see him in a Cardinals uniform for it and I thought it'd be so amazing to get to see him back for 700. Never assigned any actual likelihood to it ever happening. I guess I do like the DH if it's going to bring me moments like this.
What an awesome last season. I hope Pujols comes back for one more last, last season after this since he's the 3rd best hitter on the whole team. He's too good for STL to hang it up now.
Good for him, he deserves it. As a Cubs fan, I used to dread when he came up to bat. I would look at whoever was near me in the room and say "Yeah it's probably gonna be a homer." They would ask how I knew. My response was simply "Trust me." Surefire Hall of Famer and amazing career. Congrats to him.
Couldn't happen to a better person. My favorite player. Only one way to top off this dream seaon! Go Cardinals!!!!!
3:10 as a lifelong cards who got to watch almost all of pujols great career, that might be the greatest moment. It was jus something about that dude in Busch, he was a different player. Even at that old and the body not being the same he went on the most improbable road to 700 I’ve ever seen
I was so lucky to be at the 8/10 game in Colorado during his second half hot streak. He hit a home run straight over my head. That was one of the best sports moments of my life!
been a cards fan all my life, i remember when he left to go to the Angels ppl in STL said he’s got nothing left. seeing him come back and looking like prime purple was just sick
I think the Pujols is the modern day version of Ruth + Aaron + Cobb + WIlliams because I do not think there will another player who will hit 700 hr or 2200+ RBI. He and Aaron are the only two players with 700 and 2000 RBIs.
I was at the game with a buddy of mine when Albert hit his first home run. My buddy who was a good college player and spent a couple of years in the minors told me at the time that Albert had perhaps the sweetest swing he had ever seen. Man was he ever right.
Growing up a reds fan during his prime he was one of the few players I always wanted on my team a game changer anytime he stepped to the plate nothing but respect for Albert
i was in 4th grade when the cardinals won in 2011 and for that to be his send off was amazing, now if only we could have a ws this year for his career send off it would be a story for the ages
As a Rangers fan (who was present at Rangers Ballpark the night he hit three home runs in a World Series game), his role in our 2011 collapse is always a painful memory. Nevertheless I do admit this has been a great story watching him get his stroke back and getting to 700.
i was there for that game as well! that world series is painful to think about but it’s amazing that he’s gotten to 700.
Cruz had no business being in the outfield, should have been a defensive switch
I miss 2022 that was a Great season. Especially seeing Albert do what he did 😌.
6:53 I was at this game...was an amazing game to witness live...after years of watching him on tv and in person.
I've said it before: the universal DH was tailor made to perfection for one man. Historians might even call it the Pujols rule in the future.
I wonder what his total would be if he stayed in St Louis in 2012
Was at the Pirates games witness 697. I'm at the 8:31 mark
3:34 that one guy in the back with a diamondbacks jersey 😂