Angels slugger Albert Pujols reticent to talk about joining 500 Club

Angels first baseman Albert Pujols watches his two-run home run off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija in the fifth inning of an interleague game Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

By Mike DiGiovanna

July 13, 2013 9:49 AM PT

SEATTLE -- Those seeking to delve into Albert Pujols’ innermost thoughts and feelings as he closes in on his 500th career home run -- a milestone only 25 other major league players have reached -- will probably come away disappointed.

After hitting his 490th homer Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs, the Angels slugger, who ranks 28th on the all-time home run list, was asked how he felt about moving to within 10 homers of 500.

“Hopefully, that’s the last time you bring that up,” Pujols said. “I don’t think about it. When that time comes, it comes, and we can talk about it. Right now, this is not about me. It’s about helping our ballclub win.”

Next up on the all-time list are Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff, who each hit 493 homers.

There is a good chance Pujols will reach 500 this season, and he hopes, for the sake of the team, his chase does not drag on too long or become too big of a story.

“There are so many easy distractions in this game, and that can be one of them,” Pujols said. “I really want to focus, because at the end of the day, it’s not about me.”

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