Los Angeles Angels‘ first baseman Albert Pujols says he will be taking part in this year’s home run derby. After getting pressured to compete in the event by his two sons Alberto Jr. and Ezra, Big Al has decided to compete in this year’s derby in Cincinnati.
“I’m going to give it one last chance,” Pujols said Tuesday via ESPN. “The good thing with Major League Baseball is they allow us to bring our kids onto the field on practice day so they’ll be able to enjoy that. They’ll have a great time and meet the players they get to watch every day.”
Pujols will also start for American League in the All-Star Game following the injury to Miguel Cabrera. Big Al opted to not participate in last year’s derby because he was not invited to the All-Star game.
“You want to be in the game,” he said. “That’s the most important thing because you want to be able to have a chance to help the American League have home field advantage.”
This will be the 4th time Pujols will be hitting in a home run derby (2003, 2007, 2009). Pujols has never won the event but he is looking to bring home the crown this time around. The Angels slugger enters today with 25 home runs tied for 2nd in the Majors. He is also the first known contestant for the derby after Bryce Harper declined his invite.
