Photograph by Lori Mattler
A bronze statue commemorating Albert Pujols and his philanthropic efforts will be unveiled today at Westport Plaza.The statue was designed by Harry Weber, the sculptor responsible for the “Plaza of Champions” statues outside Busch Stadium.
An anonymous donor commissioned the 10-foot, 1,100-pound statue two years ago to recognize the work of the Pujols Family Foundation, but Pujols chose the location himself.
“Albert wanted the statue to be here because the Pujols Family Foundation is a tenant—their offices are located here, as is his restaurant, Pujols Five,” said Lisa Bulczak, Westport Plaza general manager.
The dedication ceremony and unveiling will take place at 11 a.m., with local radio personality McGraw Millhaven serving as master of ceremonies, and Pujols and his wife, Deirdre, will be in attendance, but will not be available for comments or interviews.
This is a great honor for Pujols and all that remains to be seen is whether another likeness will soon appear down at the stadium. Of course, St. Louisians are holding their breath that Pujols himself will return to Busch stadium: his status as a free agent was also unveiled this week, and bidding starts, just coincidentally, at midnight tonight.
