This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/30/2009.
Pujols had played just one year of professional baseball when he arrived at spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. 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. 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 white nameplate. On the back of the collar is the official “MLB” logo patch. On the left sleeve is the commemorative "DK 57" patch for Daryl Kile. On the right sleeve is the commemorative "JFB" patch for Jack Buck. Below that is the official embroidered “Rawlings” logo. The jersey shows game use-and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Accompanied by a LOA from MEARS graded A5.