12/21/24
November 24, 2009
Albert Pujols Wins NL MVP in Unanimous Vote: St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has become the sixth unanimous most valuable player in National League history, winning the award for the third time in five years. He was followed in voting by Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder.
3 MVP awards before turning 30.
5 other top 5 finishes.
5th all-time in MVP shares (based on votes received).
The most similar player to him for his first 7 seasons? Joe DiMaggio.
The most similar player to him for the last 2 seasons? Jimmie Foxx.
That's like a pitcher being like Maddux for the first 7 seasons, then morphing into Clemens for the next two.
I hope that he doesn't suffer a significant injury during his career, and that he can play for another 7-10 years, because I'm curious to see how he'll end up comparing to the greatest players in the history of the game: Ruth, Williams, Aaron, Bonds, Hornsby, Cobb, Musial, Wagner, Mays, Mantle.
posted by grum@work at 12:37 AM on November 25, 2009
Another remarkable achievement for Pujols. Man, I wish he were in Boston. :D
posted by Joey Michaels at 01:52 AM on November 25, 2009
Christ, I wish he played anywhere outside the NL Central. Truly an amazing player, and a well-deserved award.
posted by rocketman at 02:52 PM on November 25, 2009
I thought I saw on TV that Pujols was a cyborg, doesn't that make him ineligible for these human awards?
posted by billsaysthis at 07:02 PM on November 25, 2009
In addition to Pujols being an amazing player, he genuinely seems to be a class act off the field as well. Here's a recent example.
I have had the privilege of watching Pujols play regularly since the beginning of his career, as my father-in-law has season tickets for the Cardinals and I average at least a couple of games a year and sometimes many more. The sentiment behind this ad resonates with me; watching it gives me goosebumps every time.
posted by holden at 07:09 PM on November 25, 2009
I only disagreed with one choice this year (Scioscia). A new record!