I’m I Cub fan but I admit it, I have a picture of Albert Pujols on my office wall. But there’s a story behind it… hear me out. 
It all goes back to APBA (don’t all good stories?). In the Illowa APBA League, we were looking forward to a fantastic rookie draft in 2002. Alfonso Soriano, Adam Dunn, Ichiro Suzuki were all sure to go early. But the real prize was going to be Albert Pujols to go to whoever had that first pick.
Well, it looked like my Twin City Thunderchickens were going to have the first pick of that year (nothing unusual). Just for kicks, I was waving that pick around to see what I could get for it. What arose from that was a public statement by fellow manager Don Smith that if HE had the first pick, HE would pick Ichiro Suzuki and not Albert Pujols, end of story. Some of us snickered but he stuck by his story. The friendly bantering went back and forth for most of the off-season.
But Don Smith never got the chance to prove that. I kept my first pick and chose Albert Pujols. Five picks later, Don S was able to choose his dream player, Ichiro. Both have been the franchise players on our respective teams since.
At our next league convention in 2002, I got an unexpected surprise. In front of the league (who were all aware of the Pujols/Ichiro discussions going on), Don S presented me with the framed picture of Albert. I was so touched I think I gave Don a hug (Don’s not the hugging type). The picture has been hanging on my wall since.
All good APBA stories come full circle and this one is no exception. Last year, Albert was picked up by the Angels, Don Smith’s favorite team. So in a way, he got Albert anyway whether he wants him or not. I sent him a text last night inquiring about his slow start. Don assures me Pujols is on a two-game hitting streak now (we start counting at TWO now?). I’m glad you can be positive about it, Don.
Thanks to Don. I love the picture!
