The Path to 700: Albert Pujols's Farewell to St. Louis

"Just One Step"

Albert wasn't done with home runs 699 and 700. He hit two home runs, numbers 701 and 702, at Busch Stadium against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 30th and October 2nd, respectively. Cynthia Smith, a longtime fan of over 45 years, attended the game in which Albert hit home run #702 at Busch Stadium. She said that she bought her tickets in January once it was clear that Yadier Molina and possibly Adam Wainwright would be in their final game that day. Hearing that Albert would also finish his career in St. Louis then was icing on the cake for her.

"The scene at the game was filled with excitement and emotions with what I believe was a sold-out crowd. There was the pregame celebration in which Pujols and Yadi were honored, so emotions were already all over the place. When Albert approached the plate, it was almost like a quiet hush would come over the crowd as everyone would have out their phones taking pictures and videos in anticipation of Albert hitting his next historical home run and they would have it captured," said Cynthia. "When he crushed that ball, the crowd went crazy wild, celebrating with Albert. Of course, there was a wild and crazy curtain call from Albert as the fans cheered and roared for him. With teary eyes, I had chills and was so grateful that I was able to be in attendance to witness one of the greatest of all-time players."

Jeff Perryman, another longtime fan of the Cardinals, was also present for Albert's 702nd career home run. "To see the last home run at home, (I) still get goosebumps remembering the crowd," recalled Perryman. "702 was awesome and electric. Something about that second half, he just embodied those 2006-2011 years where he was almost impossible to get out! (It was) almost like he was feeding off the crowd and the atmosphere."

The St. Louis Cardinals clinched the National League Central on September 27th that year. Thanks to a strong second-half push, the Cardinals were able to leapfrog the Milwaukee Brewers and capture the division crown, but this was just the beginning in Albert's eyes.

Manager Oliver Marmol allowed Albert to speak before the bottles were popped in the clubhouse that night. Pujols made it clear that the team should celebrate that night, but that the work wasn't done yet. "What an honor. This is just one step, guys. Remember this moment. This is what we want to do. Hopefully win a championship, bring it to the city of St. Louis."

Clearly, Albert wasn't satisfied just yet with his final season in baseball. Despite achieving personal milestones, winning the division as a team, and making the postseason one last time, Pujols wanted more. A championship was in his sights, and with the playoffs right around the corner, it was time to kick it into another gear.