Megan Rossee: Albert Pujols Best Baseball Player 2012

Name: Albert Pujols
Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
Bats: R
Throws: R
Born: Jan 16, 1980 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
College: Maple Woods (MO) CC
Draft: 1999 - 13th round by the St. Louis Cardinals

Jose Alberto Pujols was born on January 16, 1980, in Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic. He wasn’t raised in a traditional family unit. His father, Bienvenido, was in and out of his life from an early age, and his grandmother, America, assumed many of the responsibilities of raising him. His 10 uncles and aunts seemed more like brothers and sisters to him.

The Pujols were dirt poor. They lived in a communal setting which resembled a camp site. The family would not have survived had it not been for government assistance programs.

Despite his meager surroundings, Albert grew up happy and well-adjusted. His grandmother deserved much of the credit for his sunny outlook on life. She treated him like her own son and passed along her deep religious beliefs. To this day, Albert adheres to the same strict code of ethics, and is involved in a wide range of charitable causes.

Though Albert didn’t see his father all the time, he knew he wanted to follow in Bienvenido’s footsteps. The elder Pujols, a great pitcher in his day, was known throughout the Dominican Republic. From the time he could walk, Albert showed his father’s passion for baseball. By his sixth birthday, the youngster was playing everyday on the dusty fields near his home. Though he didn’t have any one favorite pro team or player, Albert dreamed of a career in the majors. His favorite player was Julio Franco.

Albert Pujols