Albert Pujols follows “old man” Tony La Russa’s valuable career advice

Albert Pujols follows “old man” Tony La Russa’s valuable career advice

Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa

St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols shared with us the advice he received from his father-like figure Tony La Russa. This value-loaded topic popped up on Ron Darling and Jimmy Rollins’ new podcast called ‘Unwritten: Behind Baseball’s Secret Rules.’ featuring on Audacy, when Pujols was called to the show to give an insider’s view of the game.

Tony La Russa’s advice came in the form of a question- “He asked me ‘So Albert, I’m going to tell you something,'” Albert Pujols said. “What do you prefer: 30 home runs or hit .300? And I was like ’30 home runs, Tony.

YouTube video

Everybody wants to hit outside the ballpark.’ Bzzzz. Rookie mistake. ‘I want you to focus on hitting a.300, I bet you you’re going to get your 30 home runs. I bet you’re going to get 100RBI.’ And that was the case”

FS Video

Also Read: “He’s Red Hot”: Marvelous Mike Trout slugs in 7 straight games, 1 HR shy of MLB record

Tony La Russa’s advice’s role in Albert Pujols’ career

Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols

Tony La Russa’s advice was simple but in the form of a question. Focus on playing a good game than trying to hit homers and chase RBIs was the message passed on. And who was to know this advice would be so impactful to young Albert Pujols that he went on scoring .329/ .403/ 1.013 with 37 homers and 130 RBI that very season? He also came fourth in the National League MVP voting and took home the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

“He never gave me the opportunity to think about the question that he was giving me,” Pujols said. “But if you look at it, if you really focus on hitting .300, how many chances are you going to have with men in scoring position and chance to drive runs and do some damage? A lot. You’re going to get more hits. You’re going to hit .300.”

When asked about his relationship with Tony La Russa Pujols said: “Our relationship is like a father and son, 23 years later. And our relationship back then in 2001, I felt it hasn’t changed. If anything it’s getting stronger and stronger every year.”

Also Read: “Insane f**king concentration”- Jonah Heim displays insane head strength, catches an 86mph pitch right off his helmet

Also Read: “We believe that we can”: Seattle Mariners demonstrate their worth, spread post-season scare within MLB

Do follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter