Albert Pujols Embraces Fun With Dodgers

When asked what more he wanted to accomplish in his big league career, Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Albert Pujols was at a loss for words.

One of the most decorated baseball players in the history of the game, the legendary slugger has 10 All-Star selections, six Silver Sluggers, and three MVP awards, among other accomplishments.

“You mentioned all the hardware, which is awesome,” he began after giving the question some thought. “But I think for me, I want to win a championship.”

The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic already has two World Series rings. Yet, still, he remains hungry for more.

The last time Pujols won a World Series, he was still a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Since signing a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Angels, Pujos has seen the Postseason just once in 2014. That season, the Angels were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the first round.

Albert Pujols found new life with Dodgers

After being designated for assignment by the Angels back in May, many felt that Pujols was finished. Fortunately for him and his legion of fans, the Dodgers picked him up. And, so far, he’s delivered.

	Angels	Dodgers
Games	24	56
Average	.198	.264
OBP	.250	.308
SLG	.372	.466
OPS+	65	109

Now, with the Dodgers leading MLB with a +176 run differential, and a Postseason berth all but secured, Pujols is looking to obtain his third ring before finally walking away.

Albert Pujols Embraces Fun

There’s a reason why he earned the nickname “The Machine” early on in his career. His day-to-day approach resembled one, and the results – at least for the first 11 years of his career – were machine-like, consistent and elite.

Though he concedes that he is having more fun now, La Maquina wishes that he had done it in other years.

“I think I had taken this game so seriously because (of) how I approach it,” he said. “It’s a part of the success that I have. But, I’ll continue to enjoy and embrace what God has for me in store.”

Most importantly, he’s happy to see younger Dominican players – particularly Fernando Tatís Jr. – embracing the fun aspects of the game.

“Watching Fernando is pretty special,” he said. “The energy that he brings every time he is on the field, he is electric. It’s pretty amazing. Hopefully, he can come back and stay healthy for the rest of the year.”

At the same time, he urges the next generation of great Dominican players, Tatís included, not to take this opportunity for granted. 

“Remember how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are,” he said. “You are the next generation who is going to take it to the next level; you’re going to take Dominican players to the top and to a place nobody else has taken them. So, embrace that with pride and honor.”