This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Pujols had played just one year of professional baseball when he arrived at spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. Unintimidated, the 21-year-old hitting prodigy muscled his way into the starting lineup with a torrid exhibition season and embarked upon one of the most productive rookie campaigns ever. By late September he had set NL rookie records for RBIs and extra-base hits. Offered here is a 2002 Albert Pujols grey road knit jersey that was worn in the second half of that season. Inside the front left tail of this jersey is the "Rawlings" manufacturer's tag with wash instructions. Attached is a size tag reading "48," and a flag tag reading "SET 1 2002." Across the front of the jersey is "Cardinals" done in red on navy embroidery. Below that and on the back is the player number "5" done in red on navy tackle twill. Across the back of the jersey is the player name "PUJOLS" done in red on navy tackle twill on a grey nameplate. On the back of the collar is the official MLB logo patch. On the left sleeve is the commemorative Darryl Kile patch reading "DK 57." On the right sleeve is the commemorative Jack Buck patch reading "JFB." Below that is the Rawlings logo. The jersey shows game use-and appears to have no alterations of any kind.