On Friday night, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals joined the 700 Club — men who have hit 700 home runs in their major league career. It is baseball’s most elite club — with only four members* in the history of the game. Three times as many men have walked on the moon as have accomplished the feat of 700 homers.
You would think that someone with such power and ability would have been a highly-coveted draft pick, but you would be wrong. Albert came via Maple Woods Community College and was the 402nd player chosen in the draft — a 13th-round pick in 1999. It reminded me of Tom Brady, a 199th pick, who has quarterbacked his teams to seven Super Bowl wins.
Both these men will head to their respective Hall of Fames based on talent, yes, but also hard work and dedication. Use them as a reminder not to let others determine your worth. It doesn’t matter if you’re picked first or 402nd, you can take charge of your destiny and forge a path to greatness.
*Other members: Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth
