Just a few months ago, Albert Pujols’ pursuit of 700 home runs seemed like a long shot. But since the All-Star break, he’s been among the best hitters in baseball. In addition to his now-all-but-certain spot in the 700 Club, Pujols has handled the home run chase with absolute grace.
On Sunday, Pujols hit his 697th career home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates — a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning — to pass Alex Rodriguez on the all-time list. Pujols is now No. 4 on the all-time home run table, trailing just Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.
But keep an eye on the fan who ended up with the baseball.
PUJOLS IS IN SOLE POSSESION OF 4TH ALL-TIME! pic.twitter.com/UMj2W6wjRp
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 11, 2022
That fan was Matt Brown, who was attending the game with his wife, Samantha. After the game, Matt and Samantha were escorted to the clubhouse area at PNC Park to deliver the historic baseball to Pujols. But rather than just take the ball, sign some autographs and go on his way, Pujols took the time to meet the two fans. That was when Pujols learned that Samantha’s father died a year ago to the day, so he told them to keep the milestone baseball instead.
Matt and Samantha Brown caught Pujols’s 697th homer. Samantha’s
father passed away one year ago today. They met with Albert to give him the ball back — he told them to keep it and signed two more for them. Said it would mean more to her than to him. pic.twitter.com/FuXXFiYCIa— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) September 11, 2022
It doesn’t get much cooler than that. Pujols could have taken the baseball, but he felt that it would have been more meaningful to Samantha. So, he let them leave with the historic souvenir. He also signed a pair of baseballs for them. You also have to respect the confidence from Pujols, knowing that more home runs are coming.
Fans loved this latest chapter in Pujols’ pursuit of 700.
This was how Twitter reacted
Granted I’m a huge sap for this type of story but this is wonderful. https://t.co/JXVapwmT6m
— Alex Crisafulli (@alexcards79) September 11, 2022
Pujols is such an awesome human being, makes it so easy to root for him.
I want him to get 700 so badly https://t.co/r47UdiRB5O
— EJNave (@twitchejnave) September 11, 2022
Pujols is the 🐐 https://t.co/5sir8dFOfC
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) September 11, 2022
This is awesome https://t.co/3NGfFrICBE
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) September 11, 2022
That's a guy who's confident that HR No. 697 won't be his last. https://t.co/3SxQSwWSLp
— Brent Stecker (@BrentStecker) September 11, 2022
This is the @PujolsFive I know. What a gesture. https://t.co/J1TE8rVfbu
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) September 11, 2022
I’m crying right now 🥲 https://t.co/SFQL0jh1LD
— Brooke Grimsley (@BrookeGrimsley) September 11, 2022
Absolute class act 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 https://t.co/SclpcZ7qkm
— Kendra Nicole⁷💜 (@KendraNicole_26) September 11, 2022
Albert Pujols. Just an incredible story. https://t.co/byW2ltA6oS
— Anna McDonald (@Anna__McDonald) September 11, 2022
That’s a gesture they won’t ever forget.
