Minor league gamers like this offered jersey are super rare to find in the hobby, especially one sported by one of the greatest sluggers ever. Before Albert Pujols made his 2001 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals and ran away with the National League Rookie of the Year award, he advanced quickly through the Cards' farm system in in just one full season. His second stop in 2000 was with their Advanced-A affiliate, the Potomac Cannons, of the Carolina League. This is likely Pujols' only Cannons jersey in existence as he played just 21 games before jumping to Memphis (AAA). In 89 at bats, Pujols batted .284 with two homers and 10 RBI.
The gray (road) button-down jersey comes in size 46 and is tagged by Rawlings inside the collar, with a second tag listing "ADULT" and washing instructions. There is also a Rawlings tag on the front tail, while the front lettering reads "CANNONS" with the number "21" in maroon on white tackle twill. The No. "21" in the same format is the only marking on the back. It was obtained from the Potomac team and comes with the original envelope (postmarked Oct. 12, 2000) and copy of the roster page showing Pujols wearing number 21. Shirt exhibits moderate wear overall.
The Dominican-born first baseman was not a highly-touted prospect out of high school, but attained almost instant stardom when he put on a St. Louis Cardinals uniform earning three NL MVP awards and nine All-Star appearances for the Redbirds. Entering his sixth season with the Angels, Pujols currently sits at 591 career home runs and is a surefire Hall of Famer whenever he decides to call it quits.
Includes original Cannons letterhead envelope with Pujols' 2000 minor league stats.