The Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring ceremony featured players being treated to a tribute video from their favorite player when growing up, which for Will Smith meant receiving a message from Albert Pujols.
The touching gesture not only resonated with the Dodgers, but drew applause, laughs and in some cases, jeers, from fans in attendance for the home opener at Dodger Stadium. Little thought was given to Pujols’ video, other than Smith understandably idolizing a future Hall of Famer.
Fast forward just over five weeks later, and Pujols and Smith now are Dodgers teammates. They combined to each hit a home run in Thursday’s win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, helping L.A. complete the four-game sweep.
Smith was on base when Pujols hit his first home run with the Dodgers and got to greet him at home plate. “That was special. I’ll remember being on base when he hit his first one as a Dodger,” Smith said.
“Getting to high-five him when he touched home plate, I’ll always remember that. It’s pretty cool, pretty surreal. But I look at him as a teammate now, not really as an idol or anything like that. He’s here to help us win a championship this year.”
While that will be a cherished memory for Smith, he’s made quite the impression on Pujols. “He told me he grew up watching me play. I’m like, ‘Please don’t. You’re making me older.’ But it’s great to see the talent. He’s pretty special,” Pujols said.
“When he’s hitting in the cage, I keep my eye on him. [Wednesday] he was like, ‘What’s going on?’ Because I was looking at his swing. He has a really special swing. He knows what he wants to do at the plate, he’s really mature, he’s not only worried about his hitting but he’s a heck of a catcher behind the plate.”
Smith credits Pujols for sparking Dodgers
The Dodgers finished their homestand with an 8-1 record, rebounding from a subpar showing on their longest road trip of the season. Their improved play can be attributed to a multitude of reasons, with Smith identifying Pujols as one of them.
“He came in, he’s a presence from Day 1, he brought a ton of energy, he was happy to be here. He kind of lit our fire a little bit. He’s been great, been great with me,” Smith said.
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