Albert Pujols: From Sandwich Seller to Championship Manager
In the heart of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, lies Estadio Quisqueya, a stadium that has been the home of baseball dreams for 70 years. It’s a place where Albert Pujols, as a young boy, once roamed the aisles selling sandwiches with his mother. Fast forward to today, and Pujols has come full circle, leading the Leones del Escogido to a thrilling championship victory over their arch-rivals, the Tigres del Licey.
For Pujols, this victory is more than just a win; it’s a testament to his journey and aspirations. “Wow,” he exclaimed, clutching the massive Copa Banreservas trophy after Escogido’s nail-biting 6-5 victory in Game 7. “It still hasn’t hit me.”
The Road to Victory
Pujols, now 45 and 28 months removed from his last major league game, has his sights set on managing in the big leagues. He chose to hone his skills in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, known as LIDOM. The championship series against Licey, a team with a record 24 LIDOM titles, was one for the ages.
- Two games lasted at least 13 innings.
- Another game was undecided until the eighth inning.
- Game 4 saw a heated moment when Junior Caminero charged at the opposing dugout.
- In Game 6, Pujols questioned the legality of a bat used for a game-tying home run, which was later cleared by LIDOM officials.
The grand finale, Game 7, was a nail-biter. Escogido took the lead with a 454-foot home run by Caminero in the ninth inning. Licey, however, threatened to turn the tables, placing runners on second and third with two outs. But a diving catch by Socrates Brito sealed the victory, sending half of Estadio Quisqueya into a frenzy.
Tying run on 3B. Winning run at 2B. Escogido wins the LIDOM championship, its first in nine years, on a sliding catch. Licey is denied a three-peat. Half of Estadio Quisqueya is going bonkers. The other half, dejected. pic.twitter.com/hAfCEOy5s0
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 28, 2025
The Challenges and Triumphs
Pujols’ journey with Escogido was not without its challenges. The team started strong with a 16-5 record but faltered in December, winning only two games in 22 days. Fans, once supportive, turned critical, questioning Pujols’ decisions and demeanor. “The fans here, they’re brutal,” Pujols admitted. “When things are going well, they love you. When things are going bad, they want to hang you.”
Despite the criticism, Pujols remained focused. His roster was in constant flux, with starting catchers changing frequently and starting pitchers struggling to last more than four innings. The team led the league in errors, many of which were mental mistakes. Through it all, Pujols learned patience, a crucial trait for any manager.
“That’s been the biggest challenge,” he said. “I’ve seen some things here you wouldn’t believe.”
Lessons from the Legends
Since Pujols’ playing career began in 2001, only five Hall of Fame players have managed in the big leagues, with Frank Robinson being the only one with a sustained career. The challenge for great players often lies in relating to those who aren’t as naturally gifted. Pujols, likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2028, initially struggled with this but had a revelation one morning in September.
“I paused and I’m like, ‘Hey, you can’t expect these guys to make the play. You have to teach them. You have to be patient,'” he recalled. This epiphany helped him guide his team through tough times, reminding them of their potential and encouraging them to play their best baseball.
The Future Awaits
With Escogido’s victory, Pujols has proven his mettle as a manager. His focus on developing players like Junior Caminero, who shone throughout the tournament, highlights his commitment to nurturing talent. “He’s going to be a superstar,” Pujols said of Caminero. “It’s special.”
Despite his illustrious playing career, Pujols is driven by a passion for the game and a desire to help others. “I feel that I can offer so much to players and to teams,” he said. “And it’s about growing and helping. It’s not about me. It’s about helping others, and having that passion.”
As Pujols looks to the future, the question remains: Could he be an MLB manager someday? His response is simple: “If the opportunity comes, why not?”
Originally Written by: Alden Gonzalez
