Ballplayer Albert Pujols 'a real-life hero'

By Phil Boehmke

On Saturday St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa stepped to the podium at Glenn Beck's ‘Restoring Honor Rally' in Washington D.C. to introduce Albert Pujols. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch La Russa was clearly impressed by the hundreds of thousands of Americans in attendance remarked "Wow, what a view." The Cardinals manager introduced his star player.

"His baseball exploits are not the reason that he is the Hope Award recipient," La Russa said. "What separates Albert is his total commitment to his life in and out of baseball, his commitment to his family...his commitment to his faith and his tireless in-and out-of-season commitment to community."

La Russa added; "If you're in the St. Louis area, you will see Albert on days off, evenings off, throughout the very tough six-month season, tirelessly being involved with causes, especially their own Pujols Family Foundation."

Albert Pujols was clearly moved by the massive rally. For a man who regularly plays before sold out crowds, Pujols could not help but be impressed by the hundreds of thousands of people who had gathered in our nation's capitol for the peaceful non-political event. Albert who said that he was "honored and humbled' to be the Hope Award.

After receiving his bronze medal, Pujols thanked his wife, Diedre, who was backstage, and those who contribute to his foundation, which helps people with Down syndrome. The first baseman also made reference to his work in the Dominican Republic.

"We can't forget where we came from," said Pujols.

"As long as I'm alive, I'm going to continue to do the best I can to represent Jesus Christ," he said in one of several references to his faith.

Many St. Louisans were in the crowd for the ‘Restoring Honor Rally' to express their concern for the direction of our country. Meanwhile at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis a crowd of around thirty people gathered near the Stan Musial statue to protest Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa's participation in the "Restoring Honor Rally."

The handful of dissidents who were organized by Metropolitan Organizations Strengthening and Empowering Society, featured St. Louis Alderman Terry Kennedy and Normandy Park Mayor Patrick Green. Oblivious of the true purpose of the ‘Restoring Honor Rally' and showing their ignorance of the non-political nature of the rally.

"I'm fed up that politics has to invade every aspect of our lives," said Chris Andoe, a Cardinals fan who carried several signs including one that said "I had a dream that baseball wasn't political," a reference to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speech.

Unlike those pathetic protesters who chose to profane local icon Stan Musial (who set the standard for community service by St. Louis athletes) by gathering at his statue, Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa have worked tirelessly to make their community and society in general a better place.

paboehmke@yahoo.com