Machine Makes History

This has been a history making week in Major League Baseball. Hitting a home run, at any level, is tough to do. Hitting it in the Majors is special. Doing it as many times as Albert Pujols has, that's hitting rare air. Pujols, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. That's it. Those are the only four guys in the history of the game to hit more than 700 home runs.

Oh and there's more to it as well. In the 11-0 win by the Cards over the Dodgers last night, it was a two dinger night, which were numbers 699 and m700. The only man to hit the final two on the same night. And he's hall of fame resume is growing even more. Those five RBI for Albert last night put him at 2,208 for his career, which ranks second all time behind Aaron's 2,297. He also crossed 1,400 extra-base hits, benchmarks reached by only Aaron and Bonds. Oh and Albert and Aaron are the only members of the700 club to collect more than 3,000 hits. Its also worth noting that Albert joined Ted Williams as the only men in history to have 20 home runs seasons in their first and final seasons in the game.

There's no doubt in anybody mind that Albert will be in Cooperstown by the time he's eligible. He's one of if not the greatest hitter of this generation. For 22 seasons and over 3,000 games, Albert has been nothing short of amazing. His consistency has never been in question. Yes the batting average has dipped as he's gotten older, but the power and RBI numbers have generally been the same.

The numbers speak for themselves. Over 3,999 hits and over 2,000 RBI. Rookie of the year, three time MVP, eleven time all star, two gold gloves, a batting title and six silver sluggers. Albert also seemed to have a knack for hitting milestone home runs in a dramatic fashion. He hit 699 and 700 on the same night. Did the same thing with 499 and 500. Oh and 600 was a grand slam.

Congratulations to one of the greatest hitters of all time and the best hitter of this generation.