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I have a confession to make, my dear Halos Heaven readers: When Albert Pujols made history last night by hitting career home run #600, a gargantuan grand slam to left field, I was actually in the shower. I was almost done, though, and thought that I had plenty time til Pujols’ next at-bat...but obviously, I was wrong.
Lucky for me, my fiance, who doesn’t really follow baseball whatsoever, had heard me talking so much lately about Pujols’ impending date with destiny that she was 100% aware of the moment’s importance. That’s why, when she saw Pujols take that Ervin Santana pitch deep to LF, she knew to scream “Buster! It Happened!” (Ok, so now you know that my fiance calls me Buster. It’s a pet name that started a few years ago and nowadays she barely ever calls me by my actual name...I’m just Buster, 24/7).
I got out of the shower as fast as I could without slipping or committing some other painful type of injury, and ran to the TV, where I quickly backed up the DVR so I could watch it for myself, and then I stood there, in awe at what I had seen and the weight of the moment suddenly hitting me. This was something I’ll always remember, for the rest of my life. Oh yeah, forgot to mention, my fiance is still upset at how much water I got all over our bathroom floor and parts of the hardwood in our living room.
That’s my reaction; that’s my “Pujols #600 homer” story. Here’s how some of the other Angels players reacted later that night, and what they had to say to Pujols himself, out of utter appreciation.
FYI, the best is saved for the bottom, when we get to see Victor and Gubi reacting to the Pujols grand slam in the booth; it’s a rare view of their jobs that we don’t get to see, and it’s also a rare moment when sports broadcasters become total fans, screaming for joy and pumping their fists, just like you and me. Make sure you check it out, it is definitely worth your time!
Congrats to THE MACHINE !!! #600 #GrandSlam @PujolsFive
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) June 4, 2017
What an honor to be a part of such history. Congrats @PujolsFive! #600
— Matt Shoemaker (@MattShoe52) June 4, 2017
Congrats to The Big Machine @PujolsFive on 600 homeruns. Freaking unreal big guy.
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) June 4, 2017
Congrats @PujolsFive on No. 600. You are a great ambassador to our game and all Dominicans. #PlatanoPower pic.twitter.com/7FvSQVr3zW
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) June 4, 2017
He did it. Congrats to my dad and my hero on #600 tonight! What an amazing scene to be apart of. #Pujols600 @Angels pic.twitter.com/ehH2EicHGn
— AJ Pujols (@aj_pujols55) June 4, 2017
One of the greatest things I've ever witnessed! Congrats big guy #600 https://t.co/whVS2pRQfA
— Major Key (@since93key) June 4, 2017
Awesome watching the big fella @PujolsFive hit #600! Something I will never forget! Congrats!
— C.J. Cron (@CCron24) June 4, 2017
Felicitaciones mi hermano eres el mejor #pujols600 #pujols congrats to my good friend #Pujols on his 600 HR! Just too good ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/4OhYpBYkCi
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) June 4, 2017
Congrats to #5, The Machine, or otherwise known @PujolsFive on joining the 600 HR club. Great player and teammate, but a better person.
— Jason Motte (@JMotte30) June 4, 2017
Congrats to my good friend @PujolsFive on his 600th home run! What a privilege it was to be your teammate!
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) June 4, 2017
Honored to have the first 445 in St. Louis. Congrats to @PujolsFive on HR No. 600! https://t.co/BoL3XeUeEP
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 4, 2017
Congratulations to @PujolsFive on 600 career home runs. I'm too proud and happy for him. #Pujols600@Angels @AngelsBeisbol pic.twitter.com/qCyRQFOCgE
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) June 4, 2017
I just HAD to add the Angels Grandma here, guys. She’s so awesome, and she was hyped beyond hype. Can we really blame her?! Nope.
The Machine did it!! In Grand Fashion!! Welcome to the 600 club @PujolsFive! So proud of you! #Angels⚾️ #MLB
— Mark Gubicza (@Markgubicza) June 4, 2017
Honored, as a Latino, to have now called both 600 HR's for the 2 players born outside the U.S...Sammy Sosa & Albert Pujols. #Felicidades
— Victor Rojas (@VictorRojas) June 4, 2017
Ok, here it is. Here is Victor and Gubi shedding their professional broadcasting demeanor and letting the baseball-crazed fan inside them come out in a moment that is sure to put a smile on any Halos fans’ face.
We saw some reactions to Albert Pujols’ big night, so it’s only fitting to close with the big man himself. Albert took to Facebook to give thanks earlier today, because he’s a class act, that’s why.
I thank God for the incredible opportunity to play the game of baseball, and for blessing me in a special way last...
Posted by Albert Pujols on Sunday, June 4, 2017