Angels' Pujols 'really humbled' after tying Mays for 5th on HR list
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/first baseman Albert Pujols has further cemented his legacy in baseball's history books by hitting the 660th home run of his storied career on Sunday, tying Hall of Famer Willie Mays for fifth all-time in the process.
6️⃣6️⃣0️⃣!!! pic.twitter.com/O31nUhiqWu
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 13, 2020
"To be able to have my name in the sentence with Willie Mays is unbelievable,'' Pujols said, according to ESPN. "I'm really humbled.''
The two-run homer put the Angels ahead of the Colorado Rockies for good, and the atmosphere from his dugout was electric.
"Everybody knew what was at stake. Everybody knew what was going on,'' manager Joe Maddon said. "It was almost like a walk-off reaction when he hit it. Everybody was thrilled for him.''
Before Sunday, the 40-year-old hadn't gone deep since Aug. 4. Joining Mays in the annals of baseball history was a special moment for the 20-year veteran.
"I know my place in history," Pujols said, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Mays himself reached out to Pujols recently via text offering encouragement in his pursuit of No. 660, telling him, "It's your time. Go get it."
Pujols has one year remaining on the 10-year, $240-million contract he inked with the Angels before the 2012 season. Only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), and Alex Rodriguez (696) have hit more round-trippers than him.