VIDEO: Yadier Molina Embraces Albert Pujols in 'The Machine's' Return to St. Louis

While Albert Pujols has spent the last eight years mashing in Anaheim as an Angel, the memories of the best hitter of the 2000s still resonate with St. Louis Cardinals fans. From the moment he stepped on an MLB diamond, "The Machine" was one of the best hitters in baseball, breaking record after record as he's carved out a Hall of Fame legacy. In his first return to St. Louis as an enemy, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina made sure to catch up with his former teammate.

Friends forever. pic.twitter.com/C9MnqCB9uj
— MLB (@MLB) June 21, 2019

Let it all out, Cardinals fans. It's OK.

Pujols, who is hitting .231 with 12 home runs this season, is nowhere near the Triple Crown threat he was in St. Louis, but is still capable of slamming one 450 feet when needed to. Hopefully Cardinals fans can see their beloved superstar get one step closer to history, as he is trying to pass Willie Mays for fifth on the all-time home run list.

Going into Friday's game, Mays has 660 home runs, while Pujols has 645, 445 of which were hit during his 11 years as a Cardinal.

"Rather than indulge the 'what-ifs,' a reflection on the baseball magic @PujolsFive and the @Cardinals made is far more appropriate."@jonmorosi reflects on Albert Pujols' iconic years in St. Louis leading up to his first game back at Busch Stadium. pic.twitter.com/E2GDVts9v4
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 21, 2019

While a Los Angeles Angels player getting deafening applause in Busch Stadium seems to defy logic, something tells me the fans will be on their feet when No. 5 digs in.