Albert Pujols took part in his fifth and final Home Run Derby on Monday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The St. Louis Cardinals legend matched up with the top seed, Kyle Schwarber, in the first round.
Pujols hit 20 total home runs in the first round to upset Schwarber and move on to the semifinals.
He ultimately was defeated by Juan Soto in the second round, who went on to win the Derby.
But ESPN Stats & Info pointed out an interesting fact about Pujols and his Home Run Derby escapades on Twitter, that in each of the five Derbies he has competed in, he has never been knocked out in the first round.
Albert Pujols has advanced out of the 1st round in all five of his Home Run Derby appearances.
He is the only player to advance out of the 1st round five times.
Pujols' 20 home runs are the most he has hit in a single round of his Home Run Derby career. pic.twitter.com/EXhiBSvSRI
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 19, 2022
Pujols Makes Derby History
Pujols is in fact the only player to advance out of the first round five times.
His 20 home runs in the first round were also the most he had ever hit in a single round of the Home Run Derby.
Not only is he a legend on the field with the way he plays, but he’s also a Home Run Derby legend.
Here’s a guy with a lot of experience that you just can’t bet against, even when the odds are not in his favor.
He put on a great show last night for his final Derby and managed to take down the No. 1 seed to advance all the way to the semis.
He didn’t win in his final year and will ultimately walk away without a Home Run Derby title, which is somewhat disappointing, but it doesn’t take away from his performance or his legendary career.
Given that he’s 42 years old, not much was expected out of him at the Derby, but he surprised everybody with his performance last night.
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