Albert Pujols’ former manager, Tony La Russa, offered sound pool advice more than a decade ago, and it paid dividends for the 698th home run.
Pujols is a sick hitter – he always has been. He rarely swings on the first pitch, even if he’s in the middle of the court.
This is a strategy that has paid off. However, Friday’s blast against the Reds (which put them two 700s away) was anything but that. Albert swung in the first pitch, and made Cincinnati push.
Each of the Pujols’ homes this season tends to tell a different story. His last blast was thanks to TLR.
Cardinals: Albert Pujols Finally Listens to Tony La Russa
“He was always mad at me because I took so many first pitches,” Pujols said, Via Ben Fredrickson from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I still take a lot of first pitches. I feel like I’d rather hit two. I go up there and if it’s not the pitch I’m looking for, I’ll take it. Sometimes you take the pitch in the middle, but that’s probably not where you’re looking. In some Sometimes, the ball moves with just a hair, and it kind of flings you away. I’m not an aggressive hitter. That’s always been me, since I was a kid, high school leagues, college, high school. I love participating in shows.”
Five of the Pujols’ 19 runs this season have come in the first pitches, as if he’s given up on his previous philosophy entirely. As it turns out, La Russa may have been thinking of something. Per Fredrickson, Pujols hit 0.458 when he swings on the first pitch this season, by an incredible 1.208.
By mentioning La Russa, Pujols also honors his former manager in a timely manner. La Russa is now back with the White Sox, but he previously had a heart condition. He has not yet been allowed to return to his administrative duties.
Even as Albert approaches his iconic status, he can’t help but take credit for others. That’s just what kind of player – and man – he is.
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