Pujols steps up for Coolbaugh family

Baseball is often thought of as a large extended family by those who are involved in it. So when Albert Pujols found out there was a part of that family in need, he didn’t hesitate to act.

This Saturday is the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament. For those who don’t remember the story, Coolbaugh is the former player and coach who was killed by a foul ball while coaching first base in 2007. The annual event raises funds for Coolbaugh’s family—he left behind his wife, Mandy, and three children—as well as for beginning an effort by the Coolbaughs to help children who have lost a family member.

At the last minute, a sponsor to pay for the dinner at the event backed out. Enter Pujols to the rescue. When Josh Goldberg, the Director of Public Relations for Pujols’ agency, Beverly Hills Sports Council, approached the All-Star first baseman about the issue, he immediately remembered Coolbaugh—the two played together in St. Louis in 2002—and donated well above what was needed to cover the cost of the dinner.

“Something from a Roberto Clemente Award winner shouldn’t surprise anyone,” Goldberg said. “But it still somehow does.”