Albert Pujols has been remarkably disciplined during his ascent on the all-time home-run list. He appreciates the interest in his records — and in the Hall of Famers he passes along the way — but he says he cannot put his welfare ahead of his team’s welfare.
“I believe, if I start doing that, that’s being selfish,” Pujols said. “I’m aware of the guys ahead of me and the guys that I pass. It’s not like I’m disrespecting those guys.”
In this dreary Angels season — the team has 72 losses; only the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins have more — Pujols allowed himself a moment of sentiment late Saturday night.