Albert Pujols named 2003 Graduate of the Year
⋅ NBC
Several NBC graduated of the year have become stars in the Major Leagues. Albert Pujols is another star that shined in the NBC World Series and is now one of Major League Baseball’s elite.
In his first season as a professional Pujols batted .329, drove in 130 runs, hit 37 homeruns and was unanimously named the 2001 N.L. Rookie of the Year. The Cardinals rookie slugger had helped St. Louis fans forget about one of the greatest players of all time, Mark McGwire another NBC alumni.
Pujols put up almost identical numbers his sophomore season, making him the first player in Major League Baseball history to start their career with a batting average over.300, 100 or more RBIs and 30 or more homeruns. Pujols’ second season was good enough to place him second in major league baseball’s MVP voting behind only Barry Bonds.
Albert Pujols was born January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and moved to Kansas City with his father at the age of 16. After two All-State baseball honors he graduated from Fort Osage High School in Independence, MO and earned a baseball Scholarship to Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City.
After playing one year in college, Pujols was drafted in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. One year later Pujols made the opening day roster, and was thrust into the national spotlight at the age of 21.
Pujols played one season for the Hays Larks leading them to the NBC World Series in 1999. The Hays team went 1-2 in the NBC that year eventually losing to team U.S.A. Pujols was a quiet leader that lead by example for the Hays team. He is the Larks all-time leader in Slugging Percentage at .589 and is sixth in Larks history with 48 RBIs.
Pujols outstanding accomplishments can be credited to his amazing work ethic and dedication. Often the first player to the field and the last to leave, Pujols is known to go the park six hours before the game.
When Pujols is not setting records on the field he is at home with his other love, his family. Albert and wife Diedre have two children Isabella, 5, and A.J., 2.
The 2003 season has begun even better then the previous two. Pujols was named the N.L. player of the month for May and June. At the all-star homerun derby Pujols set a single round record with 14 homeruns, and placed second in the contest. Pujols’ season is shaping up to be a memorable one. He is considered a legitimate Triple Crown threat and the frontrunner for the MVP.
