It's not how you start the season, it's how you finish. If you wind up helping the team make the playoffs, that's what you play for. You don't play to put up your numbers, but to try to get a chance to make it to the World Series.

The quote by Albert Pujols, "It's not how you start the season, it's how you finish. If you wind up helping the team make the playoffs, that's what you play for. You don't play to put up your numbers, but to try to get a chance to make it to the World Series," reflects Pujols' mindset about team sports and the importance of focusing on the ultimate goal, not just individual achievements. He emphasizes that the journey of a season is not defined by individual performance at the beginning, but by how a player contributes to the team's success and ultimately, their playoff chances.

Pujols is conveying that while personal statistics and milestones can be fulfilling, the primary objective for any player is to help the team win and reach the postseason. His words highlight the idea that teamwork, rather than individual accolades, should be the driving force behind a player's actions. A player’s true value is not measured solely by their own success but by how they contribute to the larger goal of reaching the World Series and winning it.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Pujols' experiences as a professional baseball player, particularly during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and later with the Los Angeles Angels. Throughout his illustrious career, Pujols has been known for his dedication to his team and his focus on achieving championships over individual glory. His perspective on the game reflects a deep sense of team spirit and the belief that a player’s contribution to the team’s overall success is what truly matters.

Ultimately, Pujols' quote underscores the importance of focusing on the long-term goals and the collective success of the team. It serves as a reminder that in sports, as in life, it’s not how you begin that counts, but how you finish—and how you contribute to the greater good of the team’s aspirations.