Pujols and Encarnación: True Compadres

By César Augusto Márquez

On the night he joined the exclusive 3,000-hit club, Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels received many congratulatory calls and texts. One of the first to congratulate him was among the most special ones after that historic hit on May 4.

The call was from Edwin Encarnación, who is more than just a close friend to Pujols. He’s essentially family.

“I received calls and congratulations from many loved ones, and then I got a call from Edwin, my compadre and somebody who is very special in my life,” Pujols told La Vida. “We’ve been united by many years of friendship. He’s always followed my career, and I’ve followed his.”

Ohio Roots of Friendship

The friendship between Pujols and Encarnación blossomed on the edge of the Ohio River in 2001 and has grown stronger each year since. While Pujols was starting his career in the majors, Encarnación was still fighting to climb up the minor leagues.

“I met Albert in 2001 at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati,” Encarnación recalls. “I was still in Class A with the Cincinnati Reds organization. He was a rookie off to a strong start in the majors. We were introduced to each other, but at that time I didn’t think we would form such a big friendship.

“We hit it off well during that first conversation. Then he kept in touch with me. He would send me shoes and bats to my minor league team. Since that moment the friendship has kept growing.”

Pujols still clearly remembers that first meeting in Cincinnati.

“A long time has passed since then, but I’ve always been a person who likes to treat others well,” Pujols said. “And if one can help somebody that’s even better. I knew we got along well the day we were introduced.

“I think if I hadn’t treated Edwin well that day I would have deprived myself of a brother like he is to me. I think it was God’s will. Those are opportunities that God has given us because we’re Hispanic and need to support each other. God sees all of those things, and that’s how one moves forward.”

A Special Role on His Special Day

Although they’re rivals on the field, Pujols and Encarnación spend quite a bit of time together off the field.

This past winter Pujols actually played an important role in Encarnación’s wedding with Dominican actor Karen Yapoort. He was the “padrino,” which is essentially a godfather-type role that one would be similar to someone picking a respected elder or respected peer as a best man in American culture.

“It was a very special moment to be able to be his padrino at their wedding,” Pujols said. “That’s just one of many close experiences we’ve shared over all these years.  At the end of the day, those are the things that prevail, the relationships that one cultivates along the way as a human being.”

Added Encarnación: “To me it is an honor to have Albert as my compadre. Everybody knows the quality of human that he is and the type of person he is on the field and off the field. I feel privileged. He’s never missed an opportunity to make a good gesture or give me advice at the right time. He’s part of the family.”

The Chain and Medal

 Pujols is at a point in his career that along with his accomplishments each milestone places him among the greats in baseball history. In 2018 he got his 3,000th hit on May 4. Last year he joined the 600-home run club.

 Encarnación commemorated Pujols’ 600th home run with a touch that has special meaning for Pujols.

“Edwin surprised me tremendously,” Pujols said. “A few days after I hit my 600th home run we played a series against the Indians. He called me over before the last game of the series and said, ‘Come to see something that I want to show you.’

“At that moment he brought out a gold chain and a gold medallion with the 600 engraved on it. The only thing that I don’t use is the medallion. I have it stored at my house because it’s very heavy and the 600-home run milestone has passed. I’m focused on new goals, but it has a tremendous meaning for me.”

For Pujols, the 600-home run and 3,000-hit milestones are in the rearview mirror. The only thing that hasn’t been eclipsed is the deep friendship he maintains with Encarnación, which blossomed into Pujols being part of the family when he played a pivotal “padrino” role at Encarnación’s wedding last year.

Featured Image: Edwin Encarnación Instagram

Inset Image:  Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport