Albert Pujols, a future Hall of Famer, is stepping into a managerial role as he prepares to lead the Dominican Republic team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Pujols, who previously managed the Escogido baseball team to victory in the Dominican winter league, is eager to turn his passion for baseball into a full-time career as a manager.
Pujols expressed his enthusiasm for coaching, stating, “Baseball is my passion. I love to teach and be around the guys.” His recent experiences have caught the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, leading him to interview for managerial positions with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and San Diego Padres this offseason. Although he did not secure a position, Pujols found the process enlightening.
Learning from Experience
During his interviews, Pujols was impressed by the interest teams showed in his background. “(Teams) wanted to learn more about me, and they told me how prepared I was, which made me feel good,” he reflected. The interview process, which spanned approximately 19 hours through both Zoom and in-person meetings, provided Pujols with valuable insights into franchise management. “It was a great experience,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding how teams aim to improve.
Pujols’ 22-season career, which concluded in 2022, was marked by numerous accomplishments. He recorded 703 home runs, ranking fourth in MLB history, and had 2,218 RBIs, second only to Hank Aaron. Pujols also recorded 3,384 hits, placing him tenth on the all-time list. His extensive experience playing under renowned managers such as Tony La Russa and Mike Scioscia has only deepened his interest in a managerial path.
His recent success in winter ball, where he led a team to the Caribbean Series and mentored rising star Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, reinforced his aspirations. Pujols stated, “I think you always have to be planning ahead. I was always that player who was looking to the day I retire and thinking about what my next job would be.”
Competitive Spirit Continues
Despite his recent retirement from professional baseball, Pujols has not stepped away from competition. He has redirected his competitive nature towards golf, participating in events such as the celebrity portion of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. This tournament kicks off the LPGA’s 2026 tour at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando.
Pujols shared his thoughts on the challenges of sports, comparing hitting a baseball to striking a golf ball. “I think a lot of people would say hitting a baseball is a lot harder than hitting a golf ball. I would say the opposite,” he remarked. “Hitting a golf ball, to me, just sitting there, is tough. You have too much time to think.”
As he prepares for his role in the World Baseball Classic, Pujols is keen to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. His journey from a legendary player to an aspiring manager reflects not only his dedication to the sport but also his desire to shape the next generation of baseball talent.
