These pitchers didn't realize Pujols, Fowler were ready to go deep

One big key to the legendary career that will almost surely land Albert Pujols in the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2028? Preparation.

“If I didn’t do my homework at the time, I probably wouldn’t have the success,” Pujols told former Phillies standouts Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins on the latest episode of the “6-1-1” podcast series.

Advance research, in fact, played a major role in two of the most memorable postseason home runs in recent history. The stars who hit them -- Pujols and 14-year MLB outfielder Dexter Fowler -- broke down the big homers in depth with Howard and Rollins in an episode you won’t want to miss.

Pujols’ game-changing three-run homer off Astros closer Brad Lidge in Game 5 of the 2005 National League Championship Series? According to the former Cardinals, Angels and Dodgers slugger, knowing Lidge’s tendencies down pat and having the foresight to predict which pitch was coming slowed the game to what felt like a complete standstill -- like a television on pause.

“That’s how it was,” Pujols said. “I saw the homer before I even made contact.”

Motivation, of course, plays a role, too. Pujols said he was determined to get one final at-bat in the ninth inning after he glanced at a confident Astros dugout earlier in the game and didn’t like what he saw.

For Fowler, meanwhile, an untimely champagne purchase from Cleveland’s side during the 2016 World Series helped spur the Cubs center fielder to greatness. But it wasn’t just Game 7 starter Corey Kluber whom Fowler studied -- it was home-plate umpire Sam Holbrook and his strike-calling tendencies as well.

“I said, ‘I hope this is right, because if this is right, that pitcher’s in trouble,’” Fowler recalled on 6-1-1.

Kluber, of course, certainly was in trouble -- and the rest was history.

To relive Pujols’ and Fowler’s huge home runs in greater depth, watch the full episode of 6-1-1 on MLB.com and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.