It happened in the third inning with two outs and runners on first and second with the Blue Jays leading 3-2. With an 0-2 count, Pujols called time and took the gold chain off his neck, realizing that it was broken. In order to ensure it was safe and out of the way for the rest of his at-bat, he handed it to home plate umpire Laz Diaz.
This had to be a bit awkward. By entrusting Diaz to hold the chain, could he really call any more strikes on Pujols? Wouldn't this be considered bribery?"Hold my chain! I have some hitting to do." - Albert Pujols pic.twitter.com/FjNAHoJXsO
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 27, 2022
Fortunately, no conflicts of interest came into play here. After fouling off two pitches, Pujols hit an RBI single to shallow right field to tie the game at 3-3, taking Diaz off the hook.
Pujols finished the game 1-for-3 with the RBI and a walk, but the Blue Jays won the game 10-3.
[LBS]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
