Video: Albert Pujols No. 699! One Away From History

In a script befitting the Hollywood backdrop, the legendary Albert Pujols is now just one home run away from the vaunted 700 Club. He mashed career home run no. 699 Friday night in Chavez Ravine against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

CAREER HOME RUN NO. 6️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ FOR ALBERT PUJOLS.

🎥 @Cardinals | @PujolsFive pic.twitter.com/ozSKQB9hnV

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 24, 2022

The St. Louis Cardinals icon blasted one deep into the left-field stands, and the reaction must have felt like he was back home in St. Lou, as the Dodgers' crowd exploded in celebration. 

The massive 434-foot drive left his bat with a 108 mph velo, and the two-run shot gave the Cards a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning. It came off Dodgers lefty Andrew Heaney.

The 42-year-old Pujols, now with just 11 days left in his farewell season, is just one HR short of joining some very select company. 

6⃣9⃣9⃣ for #AlbertPujols pic.twitter.com/JuMSubfuoj

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 24, 2022

Only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth have surpassed the 700 HR mark, and Pujols is poised to join them. 

And he insisted recently that no matter how many home runs he finishes the season with, this is definitely it for him.  “I’m still going to retire, no matter whether I end up hitting 693, 696, 700, whatever,’’ Pujols told USA Today's Bob Nightengale. “I don’t get caught up in numbers. If you were going to tell me 22 years ago that I would be this close, I would have told you that you’re freakin’ crazy. My career has been amazing.’’

One. More. To Go.