2001 Albert Pujols MLB Debut Game Used Opening Day Baseball Signed by Starting Pitcher Mike Hampton - First Career Hit Game (MLB Authenticated and Mounted Memories)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/6/2021

The soon-to-be Hall of Fame career of slugger Albert Pujols began on April 2nd, 2001 in Denver when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals and faced off against Mike Hampton and the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day. Pujols would collect his first ever Big League hit when he singled off of Hampton in the top of the 7th inning to left field. Presented here is a game used baseball from that April 2nd, 2001 game. This Official Major League Allan H. Selig stamped ball displays outstanding game use with numerous dirt and abrasion marks with a notable mark on the right side of the stamped sweet spot. The ball has been signed by the starting and winning pitcher that day Mike Hampton, who penned his autograph in blue on the sweet spot and added his number “10” below. Aside from Pujols’ first career hit that day, Hampton tossed 8 1/3rd scoreless innings to earn the 8-0 win. This ball comes with an MLB Authenticated hologram (AR038267), authenticating Hampton’s signature through Mounted Memories (whose hologram is also on this ball), inscription and that this ball is an Opening Day ball.