1981 Topps Luis Pujols

 

The front: It's a day game at Shea Stadium, so this must be August 3, where Pujols went 2-for-5. The Astros won the game in ten innings, 3-2. Cesar Cedeno's home run leading off the tenth inning was the game winner.

The back: The Astros won the NL West by one game in 1980, so Pujols's two GWRBI were very important. Especially so was Pujols's first at-bat of the year, on April 11 against the Dodgers. He came into the game as a defensive replacement in the top of the 8th inning, with the Astros behind 6-5. Houston rallied in the bottom of the inning to tie the game, and with the bases loaded and two out, Pujols hit a bases-clearing double off of Steve Howe, leading to a 10-6 Houston victory. His other game-winner came against the Mets, with a two-run single in the seventh inning breaking a scoreless tie on April 26 in Houston.

The player: Despite the occasional big hit, Pujols was best known as a very good defensive catcher. A backup for the Astros from 1977 to 1983, he also appeared briefly for Kansas City in 1984 and Texas in 1985. In 316 games he hit .193 with 6 HR and 81 RBI.

The man: After his playing career Pujols spent many years as a minor league manager and major league coach, and briefly managed the Detroit Tigers. He appears to now be retired.

My collection: I have 16 of his cards, from 1973 to 1984. I would be interested in trading for 1987 Pepsi Indianapolis Indians #6.