Amid a career renaissance at 42 years old, St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols is also on the doorstep of baseball immortality.
Nearing the end of August, Pujols is just eight home runs away from No. 700 for his career.
However, the Cardinals’ have only 43 games remaining, and the three-time MVP has stated all season long that 2022 would be his last.
Over the weekend, Pujols once again quieted any speculation about possibly returning for another season.
Pujols told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale his journey toward No. 700 wouldn’t impact his decision to hang up the cleats at the end of the year.
On Saturday, Pujols passed fellow Cardinals legend Stan Musial for second all-time in total bases (6,143). Hank Aaron still holds the top spot with 6,856 total bases.
Pujols is five home runs away from overtaking Alex Rodriguez (696) for the fourth on the all-time home run leader board.