Earlier this year I wrote my opinion about the infamous Pujols and his decision to proceed in life with his search for a better venue in his eyes and more money. Yes, more money. I was criticized by a few and applauded by a few. I welcome the criticism. I did not, nor do I now tout these opinions as a truth. They are my opinion and when we as humans voice our opinion how in the world can that be wrong? Pujols has chosen to sign with the Los Angeles Angels for about 250 million dollars over ten years and turned down one hundred and ninety five million over nine years with the Cardinals. A difference of fifty-five million dollars. Chump change for an athlete of his caliber, right? The issue here and my passion is not with Pujols, but with my passion. I am avid Cardinal fan, and a more avid baseball fan. It strikes a chord of regret in me to see him leave. I regret what could be. I am allowed. Regret is a good thing, when we feel bad about the regret we feel that is when it becomes a problem. I wonder if Pujols will feel any regret? I am also very appreciative of what he gave myself, my family, and the fans during the years in St. Louis. Neither of these feelings resolve the morality of choosing the amount of money and leaving his team and the city of St. Louis. Let me start by stating to all the sports writers who will attack him for leaving his team..you do not have a leg to stand on. There is no “family” in baseball teams. They do not exist. They left with free agency, lack of incentives, and no caps on the individual salaries. If Puhols wants to make as much money as he can, then he may. This is what the freedom in this country is about. It is also about team, giving back to the community and the impoverished. Yes. Yes. By the way, YES!!!! I AM AWARE of his charity work, and his extensive donations to his home country. God Bless him. Yes God Bless him. Oh, by the way speaking of the “main man” I wonder, since Puhols is Christian if this is what JC would do? There are questions that abound here. How much is he giving back? Is it truly altruistic? Is it merely a tax right off? Will he give more? How ironic this Christian man goes to the “Angels” the symbol of purity of lofty status, of integrity, of divine missions. Maybe the Pirates would of been a better fit. Taking the most money you can in life, giving back a little and make it look like your a great guy? Pujols is not robbing anyone as a pirate would do, but because of his monetary decision he is robbing the dedicated fans, and his teammates. Back in the day this would of not of been an issue. This is what the baseball fans in their twenties and thirties did NOT grow up with. When team, unity, integrity meant more than the cash flow. When touting you were a Christian meant stopping and helping anyone with a flat tire and not pointing to the sky when you won at bingo, or writing on your John Deere jacket “WWJD.” Do not get me wrong my blog readers and followers. This is no more anti-Christian or anti-Pujols as it is more about continuity of integrity, the importance of values, and dedication to the team and to your community. Baseball is to blame, society is to blame, the media is to blame however (choice) Pujols always had choice. Did Pujols do the the right thing here? I do not have that answer, only Pujols has that answer in his heart. I only know what he has said about staying in St.Louis, his statement of lovingcommunity, his team and the fans and….oh yeah that fifty-five-million dollar difference.
In this author’s opinion when you stand in front of the media and the families and fans of the baseball world and gesture, with your hands, mark on your clothes and wear a crucifix about how much of a Christian you are that should follow suit with some consistent morality. Yes, wealth and Christianity can exist together. Once again this is a betrayal of morality, continuity and thinking about one’s self not the team. I could care less about what smiling hat he wears when he walks beside children in wheel chairs. In the end in life it is always about what you gave back, and what you live with. At the end of the day when he has done his job of entertainment can he lay his head on his pillow guilt free?
Ahhh America, the land where you can make millions and millions playing a kids game and reinforce the lack of unity and dedication and I can voice my opinion and express my feelings about a hero I once knew that won the Cardinals two World Championships. Thank you Albert, I hope this decision falls within the morality foul poles for you also.
