Albert Pujols won the 2001 National League Rookie of the Year Award after he was selected in the 13th round of the 1999 Major League draft. But had it not been for an injury to to Bobby Bonilla, his arrival would have been delayed. As it was, Pujols joined the Redbirds in 2001, was a starter on opening day and never looked back. In the season’s second series, Pujols hit a home run, three doubles and scored eight runs against Arizona. In his amazing rookie season, Pujols helped the Cardinals earn a National League Central Division title draw. For the 2001 season, Pujols finished with an amazing .329 batÂting average with 37 home runs and 130 runs batted in.
Albert Pujols won the 2001 National League Rookie of the Year Award after he was selected in the 13th round of the 1999 Major League draft. But had it not been for an injury to to Bobby Bonilla, his arrival would have been delayed. As it was, Pujols joined the Redbirds in 2001, was a starter on opening day and never looked back. In the season’s second series, Pujols hit a home run, three doubles and scored eight runs against Arizona. In his amazing rookie season, Pujols helped the Cardinals earn a National League Central Division title draw. For the 2001 season, Pujols finished with an amazing .329 batÂting average with 37 home runs and 130 runs batted in.