Welcome back: Pujols, 42, returns to Cardinals on 1-year deal

With a wave of his hand and a tip of the cap, Albert Pujols walked back into the world of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wearing a big smile and his familiar red No. 5 jersey, Pujols emerged from beyond the right field wall at Roger Dean Stadium between the first and second innings of a spring training game against Houston on Monday in Jupiter, Fla.

Cardinals pitchers, catchers and coaches sitting on chairs far down the line stood to acknowledge the three-time National League MVP, as did the fans in the stands. Pujols strolled around to the St. Louis dugout on the third base side, where he was greeted with hearty hugs and high-fives.

All these years later, the slugger who helped the Cardinals win two World Series championship was home.

The Cardinals and Pujols have reached agreement on a one-year contract valued at $2.5 million US, giving him a chance to end his career in the place where it started.

Albert Pujols with one of the great entrances in Spring Training history. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cardenales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cardenales</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cardinals</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItpNJ2zNN1">pic.twitter.com/ItpNJ2zNN1</a>

The 42-year-old Pujols spent part of Monday video conferencing with veteran St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina. The two spent eight years as teammates in St. Louis.

"I'm happy for him to be here," Molina said. "It's going to be a fun year."

Pujols played the first 11 years of his career in St. Louis, teaming with Molina to lead the Cardinals to the 2006 and 2011 World Series titles.

"We've only got one thing in mind — winning another championship," Molina said.

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