Albert Pujols made sure his last game in Toronto would be a memorable one. The St. Louis Cardinals' veteran slugger hit a home run in the top of the fifth inning on Wednesday against the Blue Jays, making him the oldest player to do so at Rogers Centre.
Pujols, who is 42 years and 192 days old, eclipsed Rick Dempsey (41 years, 342 days) in the process. Dempsey hit a homer for the Milwaukee Brewers on Aug. 21, 1991 at the then- SkyDome.
Pujols intends on retiring at the end of this season, so the only chance he'll have to play in Toronto again will be if the Blue Jays face the Cardinals in the World Series.
For the second night in a row, baseball's elder statesman drew a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd, doffing his helmet in a appreciation. Pujols showed his appreciation by collecting a single, a double, and then the homer, bringing him within one of hitting for the cycle.
The homer came off Toronto reliever Trevor Richards, who had only just been brought in to the game for starter Kevin Gausman. There were two on and two out when Pujols sent a 1-0 fastball into the second level in centre field, drawing some cheers from the Toronto crowd, though it extended the Cardinals' lead to 6-1 over the home team.
It was Pujols' 686th home run all-time. He is currently fifth on MLB's list, now 10 behind Alex Rodriguez for fourth place. He only has seven this season, making his chances of hitting 700 before he retires a long shot.
