Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Mr. 700!
When the Cardinals play on the west coast I usually don’t watch the games because they start so late here in Missouri. So, last night was no exception. The game was being carried by Apple TV – some newfangled strategic plan that prevents people who don’t have Apple TV from watching. I confess that I do have Apple TV and this morning I wish, wish, wish that I had tuned in before going to bed.
A piece of Cardinals history, maybe major league baseball history, happened at Dodger Stadium. Albert Pujols took his turn at the plate. He settled into his now familiar batting position: back straight, bat held slightly away from his body, mostly motionless as he waits for the pitch. The pitcher hurled the ball over the plate, Albert laid the middle of the bat on the ball and twisted his torso, launching what was soon to be another milestone for him. 700 home runs is a big deal and that’s the number he reached last night.
Dodger Stadium erupted. Everyone was on their feet. The Dodgers were clapping mightily for their former teammate. The Cardinals dugout emptied as everyone came forward to congratulate Albert. Dodger fans were cheering as though Albert was still a Dodger player. A friend of mine posted the video of this event on my facebook page and so I got to watch it this morning, with tears in my eyes.
Pujols has been my favorite player for years. I did get a little mad at him when he left St. Louis to go to sunny California, but I got over that eventually. I’ve never understood exactly why he left, except I heard a theory that he went to a bigger market where he could raise more money for his charities. I don’t know about that. And, I don’t care anymore. He remains my baseball hero.
While he was still here I read an article in the Post-Dispatch in 2006 about some tests that Washington University scientists did on Albert’s eyesight, reflex speed, hearing, and hand-eye coordination. He was given a similar battery of tests as was Babe Ruth back in the 1920’s. Turns out that their results were very much the same. In one test Albert replicated 133 symbols in a minute – proof of his superior eye-hand coordination. The makers of the test don’t list a score that high. His vision test revealed that he could quickly scan the whole field and be aware of everyone’s place. His bat speed exceeded their expectations.
All this to say that Albert is the equivalent of a baseball Einstein. His return to St. Louis is one of the Cardinals’ best moves ever. We have some very exciting players to watch, but when he steps up to the plate thousands of cameras are pointed at him. The hope is to catch his latest home run as he moves his way up the line of outstanding sluggers. Already he has set records, like hitting homeruns from at least 450 different pitchers. He is third in line behind Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth for most number of runs batted in. His accomplishments place him on “best of…” lists along with other legendary baseball figures.
So, I’m sorry I missed number 700 last night, but I will still celebrate with Cardinals fans across the country. This week I have sent Cardinals gear to my family in New Jersey so they can celebrate too. Jackie remains a steadfast Cardinals fan even though she lives in Yankee and Mets land. Cardinals Nation rules!