Albert Pujols became the 32nd player in baseball history to reach 3,000 career hits and just the fourth with 3,000 hits and 600 home runs. USA TODAY Sports
Albert Pujols, a 13th-round draft pick who became one of the greatest hitters of his generation, has joined one of baseball's most exclusive circles.
Pujols became the 32nd member of the 3,000-hit club Friday night, when he singled to right field off Seattle Mariners right-hander Mike Leake in the top of the fifth inning.
Pujols was enveloped in hugs by his teammates near the first base bag, as two-time MVP Mike Trout wrapped him in a tight embrace. He then doffed his helmet to the large, appreciative road crowd at Safeco Field.
In 2017, the Los Angeles Angels slugger clubbed his 600th career home run, just the ninth player to reach that plateau.
And the combination of those feats puts Pujols, 38, in the company of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez as the only players in history with 600 home runs and 3,000 hits.
He also follows Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre as the second Dominican-born player with 3.000 hits.
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Pujols is perhaps the most dynamic member of the 3,000-hit club. His .560 slugging percentage is better than any of the players with 3,000 hits.
Even though Pujols, 38, isn't the same player he was with the St. Louis Cardinals, the three-time National League MVP has been remarkably consistent. He's had at least 150 hits in 14 of his 17 full seasons.
With Ichiro Suzuki's move to the Mariners' front office, Pujols and Beltre, who has 3,075 hits, are the lone active members of the 3,000-hit club.
Pujols will receive a $3 million bonus from the Angels for his 3,000th hit, part of several incentive clauses in his 10-year, $240 million contract that runs through 2021.
