Albert Pujols understands that he cannot keep all the experience and wisdom that he has accumulated during his more than 20-year career in Major League Baseball.
And that’s why he doesn’t rule out being a manager in the future.
“If the opportunity is perfect and it is offered, maybe it could be. I cannot save the accumulated experience and the wisdom that I have acquired from the game. You have to pass them on to the young people, ”said Pujols during the presentation organized by the Lions of the Chosen with whom he is preparing to participate in the fall-winter baseball tournament.
Pujols was accompanied by José Gómez, general manager of the Escogido, Eduardo Najri, vice president of the Leones and Junior Noboa, Dominican baseball commissioner, who gave him his retired number 5 so that he can wear it on the back of his uniform.
Does not define future
“Playing in the Dominican Republic is not going to define my future. When the time comes I will not be ashamed. Sometimes the mind is one hundred percent and the body says something else, ”said the three-time MVP of the National League and two-time World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Did not ask for change
He clarified that he never asked to be changed by the Gigantes del Cibao – who transferred him to the Chosen One in exchange for outfielder Melky Mesa and pitcher Edward Paredes – and that it will be like a dream come true to be able to play baseball in the stadium where I saw him help his parents as a sandwich seller.
“Hopefully it can be a motivation for other Dominicans in the Major Leagues to play in the Winter League. Perhaps if he had done it 20 years ago – he was the first elected in the first draw held in 2002 – he would not have appreciated it as much as now ”, he added.
Before the meeting with the press, Pujols was doing some batting practice and sharing with his new teammates. He did not stop thanking God and expressing his happiness and satisfaction at finally being able to see action on a ball court in the country.
“We are going to define the game plan, I still don’t know how many games I’m going to play. The only thing I want is to be in the lineup, where they need me and do the best I can to help the Lions get victories, ”said one of three Dominicans with more than 3,000 hits in the Major Leagues.
He declared himself physically ready to play, but that there are rules to follow in order for him to be eligible to be in action.
The Dominican League establishes a weekly roster for each team from which the daily roster is drawn.
KNOW MORE Possible debut
Pujols could be included in the roster next week and make his debut at the Cibao stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros against Águilas Cibaeñas.
Promise kept
“It is a promise that we are keeping to the fans, but this does not mean that I am retiring. I am very happy for the opportunity and I thank the general manager and the entire board of the Leones del Escogido ”, he added.
Family blessing
He had spoken with his wife and family about his desire to play in the country since January and February.
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