Dodgers: Albert Pujols Changes His Jersey Number in Los Angeles

The Dodgers have officially signed Albert Pujols to a Major League deal for the season. Just 2 days after the deal was rumored to have gone down, Los Angeles made the announcement today. Pujols will be in uniform tonight in Los Angeles. 

But Albert will not be in the same jersey number that he has worn his entire career. When he puts on that Dodgers jersey tonight, it will be the first time in his big league career that he is not wearing the number 5. 

The Dodgers obviously already have a notable number 5 on their roster in Corey Seager. Pujols is expected to come on as more of a bat off of the bench and role player. And while you always treat future Hall of Fame players with respect, the expectation is that Pujols knew better than to ask for number 5. 

Instead, Pujols will double up and go with 55. 

Welcome to LA, @PujolsFive! pic.twitter.com/WDD1G5Og8y

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2021

There have been a few notable players to wear 5 in the history of the Dodgers. Most recently, Russell Martin wore it in 2019. Orel Hershiser also had the number from 1982 to 1994 and then again in 2000.

Pujols explained his reason to choose 55.

If you know the bible, it’s the number of grace. So I feel 5-5, double grace. That’s how I look at it and I talked to my family and that was the number that they also agreed with me.

https://twitter.com/DMAC_LA/status/1394398508359176195

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When Albert goes into the Hall of Fame after his career is done, he won’t be remembered as a Dodgers star. But there is a chance that he could provide a spark to a team that is desperately in need of some depth. This is one of those signings that Los Angeles can’t really lose out on. 

Dodgers: Albert Pujols Officially Signs With Los Angeles, Tony Gonsolin to the 60-Day IL