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Albert Pujols wins MVP
For the third time in five years, Albert Pujols has won the National League Most Valuable Player, further cementing his eventual Hall of Fame entrance.
This time, Pujols was the unanimous winner, receiving all 32 first-place votes.
The best part about cheering for Albert Pujols is his rock-solid Christian testimony. He speaks the Gospel of Christ to just about any reporter who puts a microphone to his mouth, lives a life of integrity and fidelity, and leads a foundation (Pujols Family Foundation) in works of philanthropy both here and in the Dominican Republic. He and his wife are outspoken in pro-life causes, and are active members of their church in St. Louis.
Pujols says:
My life’s goal is to bring glory to Jesus. My life is not mostly dedicated to the Lord, it is 100% committed to Jesus Christ and His will. God has given me the ability to succeed in the game of baseball. But baseball is not the end; baseball is the means by which my wife, Dee Dee, and I glorify God. Baseball is simply my platform to elevate Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I would also rather be known as a great husband and father than an All-Star baseball player. Perhaps one day I could be honored with an invitation into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. That would certainly be a boyhood dream of mine come true, but it is a far greater honor that one day I will be in heaven with God to enjoy Him forever.
Here is an article out today from Baptist Press on Pujols’ Christianity.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A biography of Pujols, published by Thomas Nelson in early spring 2011, will be co-written by Tim Ellsworth, director of news and media relations at Union University and sports editor for Baptist Press, and our own Scott Lamb, who is director of research for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler.
back to top61 Comments to “Albert Pujols wins MVP”
I”ve been a fan of Mr. Pujols since the day his batted ball accidentally hit Padre pitcher Chris Young in the face, then stood on first base with Adrian Gonzalez, both of them obviously in prayer for the well-being of Mr. Young.
The fact that he’s a terrific baseball player is just icing on the cake.
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money, money show him the money
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Pastor Roy –
What do you mean by “money, money show him the money” ?
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The stats don’t lie but 32 out of 32 votes was still a surprise.
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Victoria 11.24.09 AT 2:43 PM
Pastor Roy –
What do you mean by “money, money show him the money” ?
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This man is going to want the big pay day now that he won it back to back/ So money, money show him the money, is what his agent will be sing.
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Pastor Roy: You might be surprised.
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Scott Lamb – at the amount or that he may decide to stay put at a lower cost?
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Pastor Roy – Albert Pujols is exactly the type of follower of Jesus Christ that we all should be. He is an extremely talented baseball player and uses the gift that God gave him to the best of his ability and gives all the honor and glory and yes a ton of money back to God. We need more followers of Jesus to soar to the heights that we are supposed to and to when we get there give all the credit and much of the money back to the source that gave us the gift.
I think we should be thanking Albert for being such a great example instead of lumping him in with athletes that are only about the money.
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Pastor Roy: Pujols’ is very vocal that money is not the object of his worship, and that there are numerous factors other than the dollar to consider. I’m just saying…
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Pastor Roy,
In all fairness…… it’s unfair of you to predict what this man will do, because you don’t know.
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Scott Lamb 11.24.09 AT 2:56 PM
Pastor Roy: Pujols’ is very vocal that money is not the object of his worship, and that there are numerous factors other than the dollar to consider. I’m just saying
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I hope you are right, but I see Boston and other throwing money at him left and right.
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Victoria 11.24.09 AT 2:56 PM
Pastor Roy,
In all fairness…… it’s unfair of you to predict what this man will do, because you don’t know.
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It is the baseball business, someone reaches his level and his agent will be sing money, money, money show him the money.
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I thought I’d stick this here in the comments rather than in the article above. This is from the BP article I linked to:
“Pujols is the subject of a forthcoming biography by two Southern Baptists — Tim Ellsworth, director of news and media relations at Union University and Baptist Press Sports editor, and Scott Lamb, director of research for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. Published by Thomas Nelson, it is scheduled for release in early spring 2011.”
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Congrats to Mr. Pujols, but I’m still not convinced that he hasn’t had some “help” achieving his impressive statistics. Consider the track record of his manager, Tony LaRussa: Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and Rick Ankiel used steroids while playing for him. Is it unreasonable to think Pujols might also be juicing?
Because of cheats like Canseco, Sosa, Manny and A-Rod, baseball has some serious credibility problems.
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Pastor Roy,
Has this man sinned that you should accuse of doing something he hasn’t even done?
There is nothing wrong with money – this man and his wife obviously use their’s to help others, and spread the Gospel – certainly you don’t take offense to this do you? – if he has done it in the past, why would he not continue to serve the LORD with the fruits he has been given through his abilities in the sports world?
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Victoria 11.24.09 AT 3:02 PM
Pastor Roy,
Has this man sinned that you should accuse of doing something he hasn’t even done?
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it is the nature of baseball today. It is not about sin. It is the nature of the game.
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Thank you Scott Lamb. I am most gratified to read this post, even though a lifelong Dodger fan (smile). God bless Pujols, his family and his church!
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Pastor Roy,
YOU WRITE: “it is the nature of baseball today. It is not about sin. It is the nature of the game.”
Excusse me Roy, but that’s unfair and uncalled for – you’re dumping everyonee into the same pot – Pujols has done nothing that would lead me to believe he deserves the accusations you’re hurling at him. Do you have a CRYSTAL BALL? -
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Victoria – baseball starts are making between 5 to 10 Million a year. It is the nature of the Game that is all. I am dumping on Pujols. It is the nature of the game.
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Scott Lamb – 13
Thanks for the info – my husband would love that book. Let us know when it comes out.
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baseball starters are making between 5 to 10 Million a year. It is the nature of the Game that is all. I am dumping on Pujols. It is the nature of the game.
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Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer is the American League MVP, almost unanimous (27 out of 28 first place votes). He also won his third AL batting title: more than any other catcher in history. He beat out Mark Teixeira & Derek Jeter (Yankees), and Miguel Cabrera (Tigers), some very stiff competition.
Word here in Twin-town is that he is a fine man of integrity too. And there has been a lot of talk about what he may do with new lucrative offers. His teammates are really lobbying for him to stay. I hope he does, but would bear him no grudge if he doesn’t.
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Roy,
Do you see his check book, do you know what he does with his money, how much he gives? There are men and women who make a great deal of money and do wonderful things for others with what GOD has given them.
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Victoria 11.24.09 AT 3:14 PM
Roy,
Do you see his check book, do you know what he does with his money, how much he gives? There are men and women who make a great deal of money and do wonderful things for others with what GOD has given them.
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I am not dumbing on him.
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Yes, in the words of Bruce, “The highway’s jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive…”
But you know, not every hero is broken.
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Scott Lamb “But you know, not every hero is broken.:” look at Derek Jeter.
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Roy,
From what you’ve posted you’re judging this man without knowing what he does with what GOD has given him – what he does is between he and the LORD. It’s obvious that he loves the LORD Jesus Christ and gives out the Gospel every chance he can – and then he and his wife help others.
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Victoria how am I judging him by saying “money, money show him the money”? I have not made one comment about his relationship with Christ because I do not follow him.
I am just saying winning back to back MVP means a big pay day in today baseball business.
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Roy,
You’re the one who brought up money. Does it bother you that GOD blesses some Believers with a great deal of money?
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BY Victoria 11.24.09 AT 3:24 PM
Roy,
You’re the one who brought up money. Does it bother you that GOD blesses some Believers with a great deal of money?
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no but it is the nature of base ball today
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Roy – 30
YOU WRITE:>>>> “no but it is the nature of base ball today”
Roy, I’m sorry to see you take this tack, rather than looking at Pujols life, being happy that someone such as this man can be a wonderful role model for young people, his love for the LORD, the other things which Pujols and his wife endeavor to do. Instead you focus on the “money” – that’s sad!
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That’s really nice.
I don’t really know anything about Pujols, except that he’s a football player, and every time I hear his name, I giggle in an immature way.
It’s always been my suspicion that he went into football so that no one would give him grief about it. I can only imagine junior high.
Makes you feel sorry for the guy.
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Shows you how much I’m paying attention to what I write.
(I meant baseball.)
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TJS – baseball, not football.
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Victoria – I am looking at baseball as group.
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Should read “third time in five years”.
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Pastor Roy, what people are objecting to is that you wrote, “This man is going to want the big pay day”.
Certainly, by the standards of baseball, he has earned it and his agent will likely want him to ask for it, but you don’t know that he is going to want it.
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Scott R, McGwire used Andro, Ankiel used HGH. Pujols has been tested regularly for about five years now with no positive results. He is a Christian and has given his word that he has not used steroids. If you are a Christian, I think you owe him the benefit of the doubt.
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I assume that Pastor Roy would not accept a raise in pay if it was offered.
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“If you are a Christian, I think you owe him the benefit of the doubt. – Greg B
Greg B,
I am a Christian, and I don’t owe him the benefit of the doubt. As I stated in my messsage, St. Louis, and LaRussa in particular, has serious credibility problems regarding performance-enhancing drugs.
Foesn’t the Bible say something about not putting your trust in man?
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logansdad 11.25.09 AT 7:53 AM
I assume that Pastor Roy would not accept a raise in pay if it was offered
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not at all
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Absolutely “show him the money.” Why not? Good for him.
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Too bad that so many rotten apples in the barrel may make the accomplishments of many outstanding players questionable. The pressure to perform to obtain the big bucks has undoubtedly incentivized juicing, but it is an undenyable part of the scenario. Big bucks are also a part of the package, which is more understandable considering an athelet’s career can be relatively short-lived—and very hard on the body. But whether a person’s motivation is love of the game or love of the money will show in how a person conducts their life overall. And love of the game and desire for the money are not mutually exclusive motivations—or necessarily wrong.
As for judging what a person will do in the future—you all do that all the time with public figures. It’s always speculation, so no need to get on high horses about it now.
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Scott Robinson wrote; “Doesn’t the Bible say something about not putting your trust in man?”
Sure, but what’s that got to do with the planet Pluto??? The Bible does not give us ground to suspect things in people or make suspicious accusations or implications without concrete evidence either!
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Joel Mark,
I did not make a suspicious accusation. My implication is based on the fact that all baseball players have a cloud of guilt around them.
You can no more prove Pujols’ innocence than I can prove his guilt. And if, someday, it is revealed that Pujols did in fact take PED, I will not take delight in saying, “I told you so.”.
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Hmmmmm what a man will do in the furture?
When he’s used his money in the past and present to help others, as Pujols, it would more than likely mean he would do the same IF he were to recieve even more money – that might mean he would have more to give. This man certainly loves the LORD and uses every opportunity to spread HIS Word.
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Scott Robinson 11.25.09 AT 11:28 AM
Joel Mark,
I did not make a suspicious accusation. My implication is based on the fact that all baseball players have a cloud of guilt around them.
You can no more prove Pujols’ innocence than I can prove his guilt. And if, someday, it is revealed that Pujols did in fact take PED, I will not take delight in saying, “I told you so.”.
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Scott that is the problem today the Nature of Baseball has a cloud over it. Some see the cloud as money (A great example A-Rod will make enough money that he could buy the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorao Rockies and the Fl teams and still have enough left over)
Some see the cloud as drugs. This is an issue that will be hanging over baseball for a long time.
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Pastor Roy,
I’m in complete agreement with you.
When I said, “Don’t put your trust in man” and Joel Mark said, “What’s that got to do with the planet Pluto?”, I meant nobody in baseball can be trusted anymore. Andy Pettitte claimed to be a Christian (I even remember his commercials), then later we find out he had an affair. Later than that we find out he failed a drug test for steroids.
Pujols claims he is a Christian’ that’s great. But who can say that in his mind, he’s taking steroids or HGH so he can make more money to fund more charities and other worthy things?
Baseball is no longer the game I loved as a kid.
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Scott Robinson – I am a big fan of Andy Pettitte, I never heard about his affair. As for the drug test, he was honest about it and why he did it. I give him credit for that. I believe he will be in the Hall of Fame.
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Scott,
So you put up a question as to Pujols taking “steroids” ? That’s just about as mixed up as it gets.
It’s telling when people make inuendo against another person when there isn’t a drop of proof -
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Jealousy and envy are ugly – they rear their heads and everyone can see it.
A good Christian man is blessed with talent and money, he wins the awards and then the stampede starts to run WILD – the first things out of some mouths are MONEY, as though they can’t be happy for the guy – it’s plain jealousy!
Role models are so few these days, you would think people, especially Christians would be over-joyed -
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Victoria,
I have no idea what you are inferring in post #50. Drop of proof? I think I laid out a plausible situation where the possibility of steroid or HGH use exists. There is currently no test for HGH use, so who knows how many players are taking it.
You are, as usual, completely off base (baseball pun intended).
Pastor Roy,
I’m OK with Pettitte. He admitted to the steroid use, but he clains it was a one-time deal. Or was it? Is he admitting to one-time use because he was caught one time?
Also, I remember reading that the affair was the reason he left the Yankees to go play in Houston. His wife and family lived in Houston at the time and the wife found out about the affair. She told Andy she wanted him to play ball closer to home or she would divorce him. Reportedly, Steinbrenner told Pettitte something to the effect of, “We would love to keep you, but you need to go back home and straighten out your family life.”.
I can’t verify the story, and I can’t remember where I read it, but it did seem to have a ring of truth about it.
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Scott – 52
Your inuendo towards Pujols in post #50 wasn’t fair.
As far as …….. “You are, as usual, completely off base (baseball pun intended).” That’s dumb Scott. Is it so hard for you to have a conversation without making an attack?
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Scott Robinson – I believe Andy when he said he used in one time deal.
I listen to an interview with Bret the Hit Man Heart who worked for W.W.F/W.W.E and he talked about using steroid not to get big but to help with all the injuires that took place. I wonder sometime if that is not the case for some of the ball players to.
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Why the implication that, if other teams throw money at a player, he will surely accept it and leave his present team? For an example of a Hall of Fame player that refused large salary increases, and stayed with his original team for his entire career, just look at Tony Gwynn, so faithful to his Padres that he was overjoyed when his son was traded here. I saw an extended interview with both Tonys, during which Big Tony excitedly recounted his reaction to the news.
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I like Pujols. He is a class act. Too bad some of the posters can’t seem to rejoice that a professing Christian ball player gives glory to God and lives the way he professes. To those I have an analogy that will cause this thread to stretch out from here to Pluto:
Since a few ball players have tarnished the game, you make the claim (or presume that) Pujols is like the rest. So, does that mean we cannot trust any pastors with female parishioners since a few have had affairs?
To quote the One whom you claim to follow: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
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Scott Robinson, at #14, you wrote; “Congrats to Mr. Pujols, but I’m still not convinced that he hasn’t had some “help” achieving his impressive statistics.”
The point is that you have zero proof or evidence for this PERSONAL suspicion. You are being blatantly prejudiced against him on the basis of what others have done.
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Scott Robinson, you did indeed make a suspicious accusation or implication personally toward Pujols. You based it on a falsehood: “…that all baseball players have a cloud of guilt around them.”
That is not true. “All baseball players” do not in fact have a cloud of guilt around them. But many do and that is sad. But be fair in your sweeping generalizations and don’t personalize them on those who have done nothing to deserve your suspicions.
Apply the golden rule, Scott. Would you want to be smeared by implication purely on the basis of what others beyond your control have done?
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Joel – 57
You’re absolutely RIGHT!
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man, i cant believe there are so many people that are just so … weird, we dont fully know him, then how can we judge and tell him what he would become or how he lives. I think we should be happy for the presence, and be somewhat more positive. I disagree with a lot of comments in this post, but i’m glad that at least there are people that support what he is doing rite now.
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Also, Pujols has remained consistent in his level of play from day 1. Even when they started heavily testing which Pujols has never tested positive, his numbers have been consistent.
Where as, contrast that with Arod…
I hope he stays injury free and continues to dominate the sport. I hope more importantly he stays devoted to his family, and giving of his time and money to others as he has been.
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