Albert Pujols, the celebrated baseball player and 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 set for March 2024. This opportunity follows his successful stint managing Escogido in the Dominican winter league, where he guided the team to a championship title last winter.
“Baseball is my passion,” Pujols remarked. “I love to teach and be around the guys.” His enthusiasm for the sport has not gone unnoticed by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, as he interviewed for managerial positions with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and San Diego Padres during the offseason. Although he did not secure a job, Pujols described the interview process as a valuable learning experience.
Insights from the Interview Process
Pujols expressed satisfaction with the feedback he received from team executives. “They wanted to learn more about me, and they told me how prepared I was, which made me feel good,” he said. The interviews, which spanned a total of 19 hours through both Zoom and in-person meetings, provided him with insight into the complexities of team management. “It was a long process, but I enjoyed it… learning about their franchises and how they wanted to turn them around,” he added.
With an illustrious career that lasted from 2001 to 2022, Pujols achieved remarkable feats, including hitting 703 home runs, ranking him fourth in MLB history. He also holds 2,218 runs batted in, second only to Hank Aaron, and his 3,384 hits place him tenth all-time. These achievements have cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greats, but his aspirations extend beyond the field.
Embracing the Managerial Mindset
Pujols’ interest in a managerial career has been influenced by his experiences under notable managers like Tony La Russa and Mike Scioscia. His recent winter league experience heightened his desire to mentor the next generation of players. He specifically enjoyed working with rising star Junior Caminero, an All-Star third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, during his time with Escogido.
“You always have to be planning ahead,” Pujols noted, reflecting on his retirement and his ambitions. “I was always that player who was looking to the day I retire and thinking about what my next job would be. I wanted to stay around the game.” After taking a brief hiatus from baseball, he feels ready to embrace a managerial role fully.
Outside of baseball, Pujols is known for his competitive spirit, which he has channeled into golf since his retirement. He will participate in the celebrity segment of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, marking the start of the 2026 LPGA Tour at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando.
When asked about the differences between hitting a fastball and a golf ball, Pujols offered an unexpected perspective. “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. Hitting a golf ball, to me, just sitting there, is tough. You have too much time to think.” His reflections reveal the depth of his understanding of both sports, underscoring his passion for competition.
As Pujols steps into his role with the Dominican Republic team, his enthusiasm for managing and mentoring young players continues to grow. His journey from player to potential manager exemplifies his commitment to the sport and its future.
