Albert Pujols of the Angels hit a bunch of home runs Monday night, though not enough to win the Home Run Derby. Hometown guy Todd Frazier of the Reds took home the trophy with a breathtaking performance, particularly in the final round against Joc Pederson of the Dodgers.

Pujols won the night in a different way, though, by setting aside any disappointment he had in losing to Pederson in the semifinals. After falling 12-11, Pujols went over to Pederson for what seemed like a typical athlete hug. But that wasn't the end of it: Pujols saw Pederson's brother, Champ Pederson, and gave him a big ol' bear hug. Champ Pederson happens to have Down syndrome, as does Pujols' oldest child, Isabella.

And that's just the tip of their acquaintance. 

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports wrote about the Pujols-Pederson connection earlier this year. They got together at the screening of a film, "Where Hope Grows," which is baseball-themed but really about Down syndrome. Unexpectedly that night, Pujols -- who was aware of Joc Pederson but hadn't met him yet -- made his way through the crowd to meet the family, including parents Stu and Shelly, along with Champ. He introduced himself:

Champ was beside himself.

"You're my favorite player," he said, well within earshot of Joc.

"Champ," Shelly said, "your brother…"

"Nope," Champ said. "Albert Pujols."

He asked for a jersey.

Pujols laughed.

"They're pretty special kids," he said.

The Pedersons knew The Pujols Foundation, knew the work it did for people – children in particular – with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Champ did too. From that, they figured Pujols must be a good man. Champ is a pretty good judge of these things.

"Champ's been wanting to meet him for a long time," Joc said.

Funny when your eyes are open, your heart too, what comes of it. Three days later, the Dodgers hosted the Angels at Camelback Ranch. Pujols was at first base. Pederson subbed into the game as a pinch-runner at first.

"I have Champ's jersey," Pujols told him. "I'll be sure it gets to you."

It was in a box, on the bus, before the Angels left for Tempe.

"I was kind of shocked," Joc said. "A lot of people say stuff and don't follow through."

Pujols followed through at the Derby, too, and explained what was going through his mind to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com:

The right guy might have won the competition, but the Derby also acted as a beacon, shining light on Pujols, whose foundation has served to improve countless lives. Pujols's personal reputation has taken some hits over the past few years in the wake of leaving the Cardinals via free agency. Jack Clark dredged up old PED allegations, unfounded ones, before recanting and apologizing. And Pujols can be a grump to reporters. So what, when compared to the good he has done, off the field and on it? Healthier than in recent seasons, Pujols is revitalized at the plate and producing his best numbers in at least three years.

And he's a compassionate person, though it's not always so easy for us to see.

It's a coincidence, but a nice one, that Frazier also has a strong connection to a person with Down syndrome -- Reds employee Ted Kremer, who has performed bat boy duties for the Reds at least a couple of times. Frazier even promised Kremer that he'd hit a home run for him -- and did.

Ted Kremer, Champ Pederson -- and others like them -- inspire our favorite athletes more than we realize. And that inspires us.

Albert, Joc and Champ
Champ Pederson (foreground) awaits his hug from Albert Pujols. (Getty)