This year is significant for the Cardinals as it is the final season for Pujol’s fellow teammates Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, who were drafted to the Cardinals in 2004 and 2005. This group was essential in the Cardinals’ last World Series win in 2011 and are considered legends in the Cardinals’ nation.

Lifelong Cardinals fan sophomore Kaeline Kerpash expects baseball to look more normal this year, almost like it was in 2011. 

“I think the Cardinals can find leadership in Pujols,” Kerpash said. “I am also excited to see things go back to normal because last year, there was social distancing and masks, but this year it will be like how it was before COVID. So I think we can expect a lot of good things.”

While the Cardinals have not had a World Series appearance since 2013 and minimal playoff runs in the time since many fans, including freshman Henry Wild, have high hopes with all of the familiar faces on the roster. 

“[Pujols, Molina and Wainwright] built up our franchise in the mid-2000s, so I think it’s cool that we’re gonna see them all play together again with Yadi and Pujols being best friends,” Wild said. 

Being over 10 years since Pujols last wore a Cardinals uniform, many students, including senior Connor Gusky, feel the nostalgia of his return while looking forward to watching his final season. 

“I’ve been watching Pujols since I was a kid,” Gusky said. “I went to the World Series when they were all together 11 years ago. It was amazing to see them united and get back together for one final run.”