Albert Pujols became the 26th player in major league history to reach 500 home runs, but not many of the other 25 did so in the Twitter era, especially as it exists today. As such, instant reaction like we have never seen in this context was readily available. Looks like history was made twice on Tuesday!
Reaction to Albert Pujols’ 500th home run
Twitter, as expected, provided us with great stuff after Pujols reached the 500-homer milestone.
First, a pair of baseball writers provided interesting nuggets of information surrounding the milestone blast:
Pujols also hit his 400th at Nats Park -- off Jordan Zimmermann the day they announced Stephen Strasburg needed Tommy John surgery.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) April 23, 2014 if pujols averages 34 HRs thru rest of contract, he'll pass barry bonds. if he does, hed also be worth every penny of $240M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) April 23, 2014 A few current and former players, including an ex-teammate of Pujols’ chimed in as well:
Congrats to Albert Pujols on # 500. Amazing
— Josh Reddick (@joshreddick16) April 23, 2014 I have now given up home runs to 4 of the 26 members of the 500-HR Club. #Privileged
— Brian Bannister (@RealBanny) April 23, 2014 Congrats to @PujolsFive on #500. Wow impressive!
— Jason Motte (@JMotte30) April 23, 2014 A pair of Albert’s current teammates, both of whom are on the disabled list, sent congratulatory messages:
Congratulations @PujolsFive on #500. Such an Elite Club. Awesome player, better teammate
— Kole Calhoun (@KoleCalhoun) April 23, 2014 Congrats, @PujolsFive! Such an awesome accomplishment. Great player, great friend! #HR500 #halloffamebound
— Josh Hamilton (@thejoshhamilton) April 23, 2014 After the game, photos of the two home run balls -- both of which were returned to Pujols -- made their way onto Twitter:
Pujols meets with the media after reaching 500 homers. Has the 499 and 500 baseballs there next to him. pic.twitter.com/9yjU7gFGfN
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) April 23, 2014 This is the ball #Pujols hit for #500. @Angels @MLB pic.twitter.com/JYuazRwA73
— MLB Authenticator (@MLB_Authentic) April 23, 2014 Finally, the man himself offered his thanks to the fans:
Thank you to all of my fans for the well wishes on my HR#500. I thank The Lord for you, & your support over the years. May God bless you all
— Albert Pujols (@PujolsFive) April 23, 2014 See More:
