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 Let the fans and the media talk about 600 or 700 home runs,
Pujols said, adding that he's not even thinking about homer number
501.
"You can't read the future. It's still going to be the same goal
that I've had from day one — and that's about winning," the Los
Angeles Angels slugger told reporters Wednesday.
"It's about taking care of the 25 guys (in the clubhouse) and
representing the name across my shirt. Before you get to 600 or 700,
you need to get to 501.
Pujols clubbed two homers against the Washington Nationals on
Tuesday, the second enabling the 34-year-old first baseman to become
the 26th major leaguer to hit 500 home runs.
He contends that he will feel no differently at the plate now that
the highly anticipated benchmark has been reached.
"I'll feel the same way that I've felt for 14 years," he said.
"Probably better than the last couple of years because I'm healthy
now. I can tell you that for sure. My approach is not going to
change."
Pujols won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 and
then signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels before
the year was out.
His numbers declined during the next two seasons but Pujols
maintains he's ready to return to the form that made him a
three-time National League most valuable player with St. Louis.
"I'm healthy and I'm feeling good at the plate right now," he said.
"It would be stupid for me to tell you I've felt like that the last
couple of years. My power wasn't there.
"You can look for your own eyes."
Pujols said the three moments he'll remember most from Tuesday's
landmark homer are running around the bases, seeing his teammates at
home plate ready to embrace him, and the heartfelt reception he
received in the clubhouse after the game.
"Those moments are pretty special," he said. "You know, I've had
some special moments in my career. This is one of them. But nothing
tastes better than raising a championship trophy.
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"Hopefully, we can get that this year. That would be sweeter than
what happened last night."
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he enjoyed watching Pujols reach
the 500 homer plateau but the camaraderie in the dugout was more
memorable.
"Watching Albert interact with the team in the dugout right after it
happened and then in the clubhouse was special," he said. "As happy
as Albert is to reach his milestone, I know his teammates were
happier for him. It was fun to watch.
"And I know Albert is just as happy we won the game last night than
he is with the milestone. Probably happier."
Pujols will undoubtedly be asked by the Baseball Hall of Fame to
donate his bat, hat, uniform or shoes that he wore on Tuesday at
Nationals Park.
They might be disappointed, he said.
"I have to talk to my family, my kids," he said. "I'll have to see
what they want. My family is more important."
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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