Former St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols captured a championship in the Dominican Baseball League managing Leones Del Escogido this week. This was Pujols’ first year managing the team he grew up rooting for. The championship in the Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM) is an impressive addition to his chances of managing an MLB team in the future.
Cardinals Icon Shines After Dominican Championship Victory
“If I say that as a child I expected to lead my team to the championship, I am lying to you,” Pujols said after game seven of the championship series. “God has a plan for each of us. We were able to achieve it with dedication, work, and with a tremendous group.”
An Impressive Season at the Helm
Leones was the fourth and final team to qualify for the semifinal round-robin series after the regular season of 50 games. The team excelled in the semifinal series, winning 10 of their 15 games. Leones defeated Tigres De Licey in a dramatic seven-game championship series.
As a manager, Pujols focused on team atmosphere and player experience. He trusts his players and gives them confidence to succeed.
“We’re going to get the most out of the guys, and we’re going to have the same positive vibe throughout the game. The team is ready for the game,” Pujols said before game seven of the series after missing a chance to win the title in game six.
Club Gives Pujols Credit
Leones director José Miguel Bonetti highlighted Pujols’ work as manager when discussing the club’s title. Bonetti said that when he first approached Pujols about the managerial job, he explained that he thought the team needed to win the title. On Monday, Pujols delivered that title.
“I want that when they write about the success of the Escogido they give credit to the players, but do not stop giving credit to this man,” Bonetti said of Pujols.
Pujols was insistent that the credit for the championship goes to his players. Many of the players expressed their gratitude for having Pujols as a manager of the team throughout the series.
“That is the result of teamwork. Having a manager as experienced as Pujols really helped me. There were ups and downs, but that never defined us as a team. We were always together,” said pitcher Jimmy Cordero after the series.
What This Means for Pujols Managing Future
Pujols is still less than two years removed from his retirement. The likely future Hall of Famer is just starting his managerial career, but the early success indicates what is to come. He will now manage Liones in the Carribean Series against league champions in other countries. There he will have the chance to prove himself further.
Bonetti seemed to allude to the fact that he may move on to higher-profile coaching positions after the LIDOM championship.
“For the time we have him here, let’s appreciate him,” Bonetti said. “Sometimes the credit that should be given to the manager is not given.”
Pujols is loved by current MLB players. While he won’t likely be coaching on a roster heading into the 2025 MLB season, he is likely to gain interviews in the next round of coaching interviews at the end of the season.
Cardinals teammate and likely future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina also managed in LIDOM this season. Molina took over the Aguilas Cibaeñas two weeks into the season when they were in last place. He led the team to a second-place finish in the regular season before being bounced into the semifinal round-robin.
Main Photo Credits: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
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