October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
Believe it of not, coming out of spring training in 2001 the Cardinals felt they did not have room for a rookie named Albert Pujols, despite the fact that he pounded the ball all spring. It took veteran Mark McGwire to convince Cards manager Tony LaRussa that not taking the kid to St. Louis would be the biggest mistake of his career. McGwire was right – Pujols went on to have one of the greatest rookie seasons in Cardinals history.
This rookie era Louisville Slugger C243 model bat shows moderate use and is un-cracked. The barrel has several ball marks and abrasions visible. Pujols’ number “5” has been hand written in black marker on both ends of the bat. A great bat from the very beginning of Pujols’ Hall of Fame-bound career. This bat comes with a Letter of Authenticity from MEARS.