Albert Pujols Has Had a Milestone Season, and He Isn’t Done Yet

Albert Pujols has been on a downward trend since joining the LA Angels. However, The Machine has had a season full of milestones, and he is not finished yet.

Albert Pujols is not having a great statistical season. After adding two big flies on Wednesday night, Pujols’ total climbed to 21 on the season and 612 all-time. This is the 16th time in his career where he hit at least 20 home runs. This also tied him with Jim Thome for the seventh most career home runs.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

It has been a season filled with milestones for Pujols. He became the ninth player to join the 600 home run club on June 3rd. He was the fourth youngest player to do so, behind only Alex Rodriguez, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth. Pujols also joins Barry Bonds and Aaron as the only members of the 600 homer and 600 doubles club.

A milestone that probably does not surprise Halo fans: Pujols became the all-time leader for grounding into double plays on August 4th, when he did it for the 351st time in his career, passing Cal Ripken.

Pujols hit one of the biggest achievements of his career this season as well.  He passed Sammy Sosa for most home runs by a foreign-born player in MLB history. He did this on August 22nd, when Pujols hit dinger #610.

With one month left in the season, Pujols is almost certain to move up some all-time lists. He is bound to pass Thome for sole possession of the seven spot sometime this season. Pujols also sits nine spots behind Aaron for the 11th most doubles all-time. While that might be tougher to achieve this season, if Pujols gets hot he could tie or pass Aaron’s mark.

The Machine also sits three RBI’s behind Willie Mays to move into the top-10 all-time for RBI’s. That is well within reach this season, especially with Mike Trout hitting in front of him. However, he is 17 behind the next spot, and that would require a miracle for Pujols to play that well in September.

Next: Halos Reach Out to Support Houston Victims

With Pujols’ so close to moving up these career leaderboards, it gives Halo fans just another reason to go to the games or watch them on their television. Hopefully, Pujols does not extend his lead on double plays grounded into too much this season.