St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols crouches to the ground after making a costly error in Game 2 of the World Series. Pujols did not apologize for dodging reporters after the game. Photo courtesy of Eric Gay, Associated Press.
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols did not apologize for failing to speak to reporters after his team’s 2-1 ninth-inning loss to the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the World Series last week, Jim Caple of ESPN.com writes.
Pujols committed a crucial error in the ninth inning that prolonged a Rangers’ rally. With his team clinging to a one-run lead, Pujols failed to cut off centerfielder John Jay’s throw toward home plate. Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus advanced to second base on the play and eventually scored what proved to be the game-winning run.
When reporters entered the clubhouse after the game, Pujols was unavailable to provide clarification of the pivitol play. The absence of street clothes in his locker indicated that he had likely gone home.
Pujols later acknowledged making the costly ninth-inning error, but said he doesn’t have a responsibility to speak with reporters and expressed no regret for his actions.
“My responsibility is to my God and my family,” he was quoted as saying in the same ESPN report. “I don’t have any responsibility to anybody else. And I try to do the best I can to represent the game of baseball. I do that. Sometimes you make a mistake. Do I feel I made a mistake last night? I don’t think so.”
Pujols was not the only player who was unavailable to the media following the loss. Catcher Yadier Molina, left fielder Matt Holliday and right fielder Lance Berkman were not in the clubhouse when reporters arrived.
Unlike Pujols, however, Berkman apologized.
“That won’t happen again,” he said. “I’ll make sure — if I have to stand in there — that one of us is available for comment, win or lose.”
I don’t think that Pujols is responsible at all for talking with the media. Just because he doesn’t want to talk doesn’t mean that he has to apologize for it. These sports sites just want news to report on and stir up the pot.
It’s too bad that the best player in the game couldn’t talk to the media after the game and own up to his error. Maybe he was too concerned about being a free agent in a few days.
I feel like Pujols is completely right! everyone makes mistakes and if that was me I don’t know if I would want to talk RIGHT after the game.
Nice story. Did I mention I’m a Cards fan? Good job attributing in the lead and quote.
Grammar error: The absence of street clothes in his locker indicated that he had likely GONE home.
Pujols later admitted to making the costly ninth-inning error — the word “admitted” is questionable here; the error is a fact, he doesn’t have to admit it, like an unproven accusation. Acknowledged is better.