Offered is the most significant fielded ball of the storied career of the great Albert Pujols. Without this ball and play, there is no 3 Homer World Series Game 3 for Pujols, no David Freese heroics in Game 6, nor even the Best Postseason Game Ever Played in the timeless epic pitchers dual of NLDS Game 5 Halladay vs Carpenter (1-0 dual complete games).

In Game 4 of that same 2011 NLDS, with the Cardinals facing elimination in a one run game, the Phillies’ Chase Utley drew a leadoff walk. With the count full to Hunter Pence, Utley got a great jump on the payoff pitch and Pence put the ball in play to shortstop Rafael Furcal. With Utley already arriving at second base, Furcal’s only play was to first.

But Utley doubled down as the throw was made and sprinted to third. Pujols saw this and sprung off the bag toward the throw, cutting it off early and surrendering the sure out of Pence at first base, firing a bullet across the infield to David Freese who tagged out Utley.

Were it not for Pujols’ quick thinking and action, Utley ends up on third with one out and scores via sac fly on Ryan Howard’s flyout to center field in the next play. In a one run game, this run was the difference between forcing a game 5 and elimination.

Video of the play:

https://youtu.be/7YKFpDJE2yU?si=lMn8ddEByDpBXfXg

Ball accompanies the pictured 2022 Topps Update card from Pujols Final Season, recognizing his achievement of surpassing Hall of Famer Paul Molitor (who AVERAGED 200 hits per season (!!) over his 21 year career) for 9th All Time in MLB Hits. Pujols would go on to finish 2nd All Time in RBI and Total Bases (Hank Aaron 1st in both) and 4th All Time in Home Runs (703), behind Bonds (762), Aaron (755) and just 11 behind the great Babe Ruth’s 714.

The pictured plaque is integrated into the ball’s transparent case, which is included.

Ball comes affixed with the MLB Authentication Hologram with unique code matching the pictured LOA. Codes are obscured in pictures to protect the security of your purchase.

Please send any questions prior to bidding.

More unique and historic items may be found in my other listings.