VIDEO: Albert Pujols Gets Long Standing Ovation in Return to St. Louis
By Mark Powell
Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis for the first time since 2011 has gone as planned thus far, with the former Cardinals star receiving a 90-second standing ovation before his first at-bat of the evening. This came after the Cardinals played a special tribute video for the future Hall-of-Famer.
What a scene. The return of Albert Pujols. #TimeToFly pic.twitter.com/XOfi0iLtwO
— FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) June 22, 2019
Albert acknowledged the crowd in what's sure to be a special moment as he chases Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. If anything, it's rather hard to believe Pujols' Angels haven't returned to St. Louis in nearly a decade. At the time, Pujols decision to leave the city he'd called home for his entire career was deemed a tough, but necessary choice. Cardinals fans didn't take it as such.
But as always, time heals all wounds, and Pujols remains one of the most beloved athletes in St. Louis history.
Albert Pujols getting huge standing ovation during warm-ups as he jogs on the outfield grass at Busch Stadium.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 21, 2019
The Cardinals were never going to give him the huge contract he desired well into his late-30's, while the Angels had money to blow. Hindsight's done us some favors in this case.