Fan-favorite former baseballer Albert Pujols is making a comeback, but not in the way baseball fans expected. The former Cardinals player, who retired after the 2022 season, had an incredible last season. Only the fourth player in league history to hit more than 700 career homers, Pujols has had a historic run. Known for his powerful contact-hitting ability on the baseball diamond, The Machine is now set to dominate the basketball court. Yes! You read that right.

A recent announcement on the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game revealed that Pujols will join a team of professional athletes on February 17th. The former first baseman is familiar with the game because his own charity, Pujols’ Family Foundation, organizes an All-Star game each year. Now, if the fans’ reactions are anything to go by, it’s anyone’s guess how Pujols will play.

Fans have mixed reactions to watching Albert Pujols on the basketball court

Having played at Albert’s All-Star Basketball Game, the former Angels player is no stranger to shooting hoops. The world already knows his talent on the diamond, with a consistent 22-season career in MLB. However, the 42-year-old is among the rare number of players who have stayed professional athletes past a certain prime age. And fans did not hesitate to point this out, even if Pujols had some supporters.

B/R Walk-Off on Twitter announced the news with the caption, “Albert Pujols will play in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Feb. 17 🏀” And fans had some good-natured fun in the comments section.

Here are some reactions:

Pujols does seem to have some supporters though, as they compared him to NBA greats like PJ Tucker and Russell Westbrook.

Who else will be joining The Machine?

Along with Pujols, it was announced that Houston Astros shortstop Alex Bregman will be joining as an assistant coach. Bregman always dreamed of making it big in baseball and at 28 years old, is now a two-time World Series champion. He has spoken about how he wanted to play professional basketball as well, but how his delayed growth spurt prevented him from it. Now it looks like he’s gladly embracing his new role!

READ MORE – ‘Holding on to the Prized Possession’- Fan Who Caught Albert Pujols’ 700th Historic Home Run Ball, Refuses to Give It Back to Cardinals Legend

Pujols and Bregman will be joining two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Olympian Lindsey Vonn,  Seattle Seahawks All-Pro receiver DK Metcalf, rapper 21 Savage, as well as singer Nicky Jam. NBA legend Dwyane Wade and NFL icon Calvin Johnson are also expected to join the game.

WATCH THIS STORY – Players to Hit 3 Hours in the World Series Game – Albert Pujols, Babe Ruth, Pablo Sandoval – The reason Why Reggie Jackson Got The Nickname Mr. October

From the looks of it, it will surely be an exciting weekend!