The Prodigal Son Returns

Friday night I will be in front of my TV, watching the return of Albert Pujols to St. Louis. He is an Angel these days, which prompts this commentary. In my view, Pujols made a colossal mistake signing with LA after the 2011 World Series.

Pujols says he left because the Cardinals did not pay him respect. They also didn’t pay him $254-million dollars to play baseball until the year 2022. LA did. He says California taxes are so pervasive that he would have made more cash in St. Louis. But he stresses----money wasn’t the issue.

The real reason I believe Pujols made a mistake in signing with the Angels is the personal services contract attached. It really wasn’t a 10-year deal----it is a 20-year deal. He can’t be a part of any Cardinal function for a decade after he retires from the game.

In 2027 he will become a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame. The Hall can induct him as a Cardinal, but his contract will prevent him from wearing a St. Louis hat until the year 2032 when he is 52 years old. He won’t be wearing a red jacket at opening day. He won’t be able to come to St. Louis to have his number 5 retired. There won’t be a statue to dedicate. He will miss countless commercial opportunities.

Pride cost Albert Pujols dearly. If he had to do it over----you know he would have stayed in St. Louis.

Tomorrow night, standing at home plate at Busch Stadium, he will understand the depth of his mistake. 50,000 adoring fans will welcome him back and honor him for his eleven great years in Baseball Heaven.