March 27, 2001 Cardinals vs. Braves spring training game lineup card. Albert Pujols pinch-hits in the top of the 9th and hits a solo home run to tie the game 5-5:

Shortly before spring training ended, the Cardinals played Atlanta at the Braves' complex in Disneyworld in Orlando . La Russa didn't have Pujols in the lineup that day, instead making sure that the regulars got in some final at-bats before the regular season began. Mark McGwire started at first, took his three cuts, then headed for the shower and stood behind La Russa in the dugout runway in his street clothes. The game was tied in the ninth when La Russa called on Pujols to pinch-hit against Matt Whiteside. Amid all the curiosity about his immediate future, Pujols didn't just hit the ball, he hit it over the scoreboard in center field. From behind, La Russa suddenly felt McGwire's huge hand smacking him across the back, a little bit like being hit with the wing of a 747 . "Dude, I told you, he's on the club!"

Buzz Bissinger , Three Nights in August , pp. 146-147, ISBN 0618405445