When Albert Pujols first left St. Louis for the Angels over a decade ago, his place in Cardinals lore was etched in stone.
Few all-time greats — let alone any Cardinals superstars — could compare to nine All-Star selections and three MVPs. To manage such individual excellence while taking center stage as the talisman for two World Series teams in 2006 and 2011 made his accomplishments even better.
Pujols made a lot of wonderful, joyous memories in Cardinals’ red.
That’s what made his official return to St. Louis on Opening Day — as a Cardinal, not an opposing player — all the sweeter. After everything he did for the franchise, the fans inside Busch Stadium made sure to let Pujols know they still have nothing but love for him with a special gift:
A standing ovation as he came up to bat for the first time this season:
What an ovation for @PujolsFive.
Chills. #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/2fDKdbPlPA
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2022
I can figuratively see the goosebumps form on my arm while rewatching that clip. Now imagine how Pujols felt, knowing that this would be his last Opening Day ever.
A legend gets his due in return to his old stomping grounds. How could you not be romantic about baseball?
