2005 proved to be the season Albert Pujols established himself as a future Hall of Famer. The then St. Louis Cardinals first baseman hit a robust .330 with 41 home runs, one of which being No. 200 of his career. He drove in 117 and scored an NL-best 129 runs to run away with that year’s MVP Award. To cap off his first of his three MVPs with the Cards, Pujols came up huge in the post-season as well. In a famous 2005 NLCS Game 5 moment, “The Machine” launched a monster 3-run, game-winning homer off seemingly-dominant closer Brad Lidge in the 9th inning to beat the Astros 5-4, the ball clearing the train tracks above the left-field bleachers in Houston. Albert was wearing this first baseman’s glove during that memorable game as well as the final game ever played at old Busch Stadium on October 19, 2005 (Game 6 of that series). He would win his first of two Gold Glove awards the following season.

There’s a lot of history packed into this glove, which has been professionally photo-matched by Resolution Photomatching to pictures taken of Pujols during Games 5 and 6 of the NLCS against Houston. The impeccable documentation includes a signed LOA from the Pujols Family Foundation to which Pujols is known to donate many game-used items. The glove experts at PSA/DNA have also given it their blessing as a well-worn example used by Pujols in 2005. There’s even photo evidence of Sir Albert signing it!

The Rawlings Pro AP5B model shows outstanding use with wear visible in the pocket, webbing and body of the custom red and black leather glove. The Rawlings labels are still intact and the top of the thumb has the names of Pujols’ son A.J. and daughter Isabella embroidered in red thread. To complete this MVP year glove, Albert has signed the back of the fingers in 9/10 silver paint pen adding “NL-MVP-05.”

Research shows there is not a Pujols glove of this caliber to ever hit the auction block. Game-used fielder’s gloves, especially those from superstars, are very tough to collect as players tend to stay loyal to one piece of leather for a whole season and beyond. It is safe to assume that Albert used this mitt for much, if not all, of the 2005 season, his first MVP campaign. Some forget that the now-lumbering DH for the Angels could really pick it when he played in the National League. After joining the 3,000 Hit Club this season and moving into 6th on the all-time home run list, Sir Albert is making a case not just as a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer but as one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever.

Includes Game Used LOA from PSA/DNA (Eskin & Taube). LOA from Pujols Family Foundation. LOA from Resolution Photomatching with side-by-side graphics to show the conclusive match to both games. Additional LOA from Authentic Gamers includes two 5x7 photos of the signing session.