Albert Pujols

José Albert Pujols (born January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is widely regarded as one of the best offensive players in the game, able to consistently hit for average and power. In recent years he has also become an above-average defensive player at first base. On August 5th, 2005, Pujols became the first player in Major League history to hit 30 or more home runs in each of his first five seasons. On August 31st of that year, he became the first Major League player since Ted Williams to reach the 100 RBI mark in each of his first five seasons.

Accomplishments

• Rookie of the Year, 2001
• Hank Aaron Award, 2003
• TSN Player of the Year, 2003
• NLCS MVP, 2004
• 4-time All-Star (2001-05)
• 3-time Silver Slugger (2001, 2003-04)
• Pujols has finished in the top five in the voting for MVP of the National League every year of his career, including three runner-ups.
• Became first player in MLB history to hit 30 home runs in each of his first five seasons, 2005
• Only Ralph Kiner hit more homeruns (215) at this age (25) than Albert (199).