Albert Pujols has yet to play a game against the St. Louis Cardinals since leaving Arch City in 2011. That, however, is about to change.
In 2011, former St. Louis Cardinals great Albert Pujols left on a jet plane to sunny Southern California, and we did not know when he’d be back again — until now.
After taking the money and running, St. Louis Cardinals fans have yet to pay their respects to one of the all-time greats, in a way that only the greatest baseball fans in baseball can offer.
However, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, in 2019 that will finally change, with Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim — Temecula — San Bernardino — Riverside, finally visiting the Arch City during Big Al’s tenure in Los Angeles.
Albert Pujols and the #Angels are scheduled to visit St. Louis/Busch Stadium next June, about a year from now, for a three-game interleague series, according to an official familiar with #stlcards wishes and a close-to-final version of 2019 schedule. #MLB
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) June 15, 2018
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It was probably for the best that the return of the prodigal son took so long, with time healing this gaping wound. If Albert Pujols returned to face the St. Louis Cardinals a year after his departure, things would have gotten ugly, with a sea of red voicing their displeasure in public enemy number one.
Now, with seven to soften the blow, and one more year adding to it before Albert Pujols makes his triumphant return, he’ll get the warm welcome that he deserves.
Albert Pujols has no hard feelings towards the St. Louis Cardinals organization or even the fans. In fact, he’s looking forward to paying Busch Stadium, with St. Louis holding a special place in his heart. He recently caught up with Derrick Goold revealing how soft his heart is towards the Arch City and its fantastic fans.
"“I would love to get back to St. Louis, to play a game there. I always tell people I came there a little boy and I left there a grown man. It would be pretty emotional, too. I’m a pretty emotional guy. … It would be important when that moment comes.”"
For those of you still angry at Albert Pujols for leaving, don’t be. Saying goodbye to him, and Albert Pujols saying hello again (it’s me), is just what the Doctor ordered.
Next: What 3,000 hits would have meant for Pujols in St. Louis
Albert Pujols gave the St. Louis Cardinals 10 of the greatest seasons in MLB history, matching that of only a handful of Hall of Fame greats, including the likes of Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx. “The Machine” is still working overload, adding to his Hall of Fame resume as each day goes by.
St. Louis Cardinals need to get over any hard feelings they have towards Albert Pujols and honor him like he truly deserves. And lucky for you all, you’ll get your chance in June of 2019.