JockBio: Albert Pujols Facts

JockBio Vital Stats
• St. Louis Cardinals	• First Baseman	• #5
• Height: 6' 3"	• Weight: 225	• Born:1/16/80

Like many players from Latin American or South American countries, Albert has always been questioned about his age. The whispers that he’s older than he claims started in high school, and carried through his year at Maple Woods Community College.
Maple Woods retired Albert’s jersey, #33, though he only played there one year.
When Albert led the Cardinals in batting average, home runs and RBIs in 2001, he became the first St. Louis rookie to top the team in all three categories since Rogers Hornsby in 1916.
During Albert’s rookie year, fellow Dominican Placido Polanco took him under his wing. Polanco went to the Phillies from St. Louis, and then to Detroit, but continued to spend time with Albert and his family during the off-season. He is also Albert Jr.’s godfather.
In 2002 Albert became the first player in baseball history to bat .300 with 30 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBIs in each of his first two seasons.
In 2005, Albert became the first Cardinal to win the MVP since Willie McGee in 1985.
Albert was named 2006 Man of the Year by the MLBPA. He was a finalist for the honor in 2005.
In 2006, Albert led major league first basemen in Range Factor in and tied for the NL lead with a .996 fielding average. He was rewarded with his first Gold Glove. Albert was the first St. Louis first baseman to win a Gold Glove since Keith Hernandez in 1982.
Albert played for the Dominican Republic in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He became a US citizen in 2007. Albert scored a perfect 100 on his citizenship test.
In 2008, Albert recorded his 300th career double, 300th career home run and 1500th career RBI.
Albert was a one-man wrecking crew in a May 2008 game against the San Diego Padres. He lined a pitch off of Chris Young’s face, landing him on the DL. Later in the inning, he plowed into Josh Bard at home plate, tearing up Bard's ankle and landing him on the DL as well.
Albert played one game at second base in 2008. He has now played each of the four infield positions as a Cardinal. He has won Silver Slugger awards at three positions—third base, outfield and first base.
In 2008, Albert became the first NL first baseman to win two MVP awards. He and Stan Musial are the only Cardinals to earn the award twice.
In 2008, Albert became the second player to reach 300 homers in his eighth season. The first was Ralph Kiner.
Albert won the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award for his character and charitable contributions to his community.
Albert was named NL Player of the Month twice in 2009.
Albert is the only player ever to bat over .300 and hit 30 or more homers while driving in 100 or more runs in each of his first nine seasons in the majors.
Albert is one of five NL players to win three MVP awards. The other four are Mike Schmidt, Roy Campanella, Stan Musial and Barry Bonds. Only Bonds has won more, with seven.
Albert uses different bats against lefties and righties. He swings a 33-ounce piece of lumber versus southpaws, and one an ounce heavier versus righthanders.
In a poll at ESPN’s web site, voters selected “Winnie the Pujols” over “Phat Albert” as Chris Berman's best nickname for Albert.
One of the few things that makes Albert nervous is public speaking.
Albert’s favorite sport after baseball is basketball. He grew up watching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, and today is a fan of Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.
“Take the Shackles Off My Feet so I Can Dance,” by R&B Gospel singers Mary Mary, is Albert’s choice of music when he goes to plate in St. Louis.
Albert paid $2500 for the glove Roger Clemens wore during his 300th win, then gave it to a young fan.
Albert’s adopted daughter, Isabella, has Down Syndrome. She had heart surgery in July of 1998 to correct a circulatory problem, and is doing fine now. While Isabella’s learning and intelligence levels are behind other kids her age, Albert says her speech is developing steadily. Having a younger brother who talks a lot is a big help. So is Albert’s commitment to kids and families affected by Down Syndrome. He works closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Albert and Diedre appeared in the 2002 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Albert and his family are members of the Kansas City Baptist Temple. He reportedly donates between 10 and 20 percent of his salary to the church, not to mention the volunteer work he does.
In 2005, Albert established the Pujols Family Foundation to help kids with disabilities and Down Syndrome in the U.S. and Dominican Republic.
Albert’s favorite movie is Gladiator.
Had he not been a baseball player, Albert says that he might have pursued medicine or engineering as a career.

Rogers Hornsby, 1961 Golden Press

Keith Hernandez, 1979 Hostess

Roger Clemens, 2004 Sport Illusrtated