Albert Pujols Makes First Pitching Appearance of His Career

Albert Pujols has played in nearly 3000 major league games in his career that began in 2001. The 42 year old future Hall of Famer has played first base, third base, outfield, and even a game each at second base and shortstop, but until May 15th, 2020, he had never pitched in the majors. He finally got his chance that day.

The St. Louis Cardinals were leading the visiting San Francisco Giants 15-2, when Pujols got his chance to pitch the top of the ninth. He walked Darin Ruf to lead off the inning. Austin Slater then lined to center for the first out. Evan Longoria then got the first hit off Pujols with a single to left. Thairo Estrada then hit into a fielders choice, with Longoria out at second. Luis Gonzalez, who started the game as the Giants’ left fielder but pitched an inning and a third himself (allowing just one hit) then hit a home run to right off a 52 mile an hour “fastball” from Pujols to make in 15-5. Joey Bart followed that with a solo homer to make it 15-6. The Giants rally fell short as Pujols retire LaMonte Wade, Jr. on a ground out to end the game.