A solo home run on Saturday left Albert Pujols just two shy of joining one of Major League Baseball’s exclusive clubs. It was only a matter of when, not if, the three-time National League MVP would become the 26th player to reach the 500 home run plateau.
Tuesday was that day.
In the first inning, Pujols hit No. 499, a three-run shot, to left field off of Washington Nationals starter Taylor Jordan. In the fifth, Pujols hit one of the two-run variety and Jordan became the answer to the trivia question “Who was on the mound for Albert Pujols’ 500th home run?”
At 34-years-old, Pujols is the third youngest to reach the feat behind Alex Rodriguez and Jimmie Foxx, who were both 32.
The two home runs give Pujols eight for the season, most in the majors. Within his sights on the all-time list are Eddie Murray (504), Gary Sheffield (509), Mel Ott (511), Eddie Matthews (512), and Ernie Banks (512).
