I think it’s almost always enjoyable, or at least interesting, to see history play out in front of you. I think it’s because we (as sports fans, or even just as humans) want to feel like we’re connected to something timeless. I was there. I saw that. A part of me, however small, will live on forever as having been “part” of that moment. Something like that? I’m not a philosopher or a psychologist, but I think that’s at least rubbing up against the reason we obsess over these historic moments.
So, with Albert Pujols reaching 700 homers, I can pretty easily set aside my feelings about how he killed the Cubs for a decade, and I can tip my cap to the performance. Barry Bonds at 762. Hank Aaron at 755. Babe Ruth at 714. And now Pujols. That’s it. We have seen something very rare and very special. I hated seeing Pujols step into the box at Wrigley Field for all those years, but I hated it precisely because he was so very good. Historically good.
Even if you hit a very solid 25 homers per year – with perfect consistency – it would take you 28 years to reach 700. You’d have to do it every single season from the time you were 21 through the time you were 48. That’s silly to think about, of course, but it contextualizes what Pujols was able to accomplish in the 22 seasons of his career.
I doubt too many Cubs fans begrudge Pujols this accomplishment after all his years of success, even if we might never lose the sour taste in our mouths when talking about the guy. I am a baseball fan, too, after all.
Meanwhile, Pujols is putting together at age 42 his best offensive season overall (.265/.338/.530/143 wRC+) in over a decade – since his final season with the Cardinals back in 2011. I guess that final burst of energy and focus to get to 700 and retire has really been powerful. I remember when it seemed like he should have retired at least a couple years ago. He thought he had more in him, and he was right.
It has been an unbelievable career.
By the way, the fan who caught the ball is hanging onto it for now:
And since I’m now just rounding up random interesting things:
If you were curious about any other homer milestones on the horizon after Albert Pujols: