It’s hard to imagine, but it’s been 20 years since the St. Louis Cardinals selected Albert Pujols in the 13th round of the 1999 June Amateur Draft. Also hard to believe is Pujols was the 402nd player selected overall and the 16th player drafted by the Cardinals in 1999.
Some big names selected ahead of Pujols in 1999 included Josh Hamilton, Josh Beckett, Barry Zito, Brandon Phillips, and John Lackey. However, of the names selected ahead of Pujols by the Cardinals, few will be remembered by the fans of the birds on the bat.
In fact, without the name of Albert Pujols attached to the draft, the Cardinals haul in 1999 could be considered average at best, if not a bust.