TEMPE, Ariz. – After more than 700 career home runs, while topping $340 million in total earnings, Albert Pujols’ ride off into the sunset seemed inevitable.
Last playing with the Angels in 2021 and retiring after the 2022 season, it seemed Pujols would merely resurface at the rare Angels or St. Louis Cardinals special ceremony. Certainly he would be there to give a speech at his Hall of Fame induction.
Is there really any need to prove himself within the game anymore?
Yet there was Pujols at Angels camp again Monday, ready to impart his wisdom on the next generation as a guest instructor. Getting his hands dirty with the young players of the game does not feel like a duty for one of the most legendary players of the game, it is his honor.
“I think at the end of the day it’s about giving back and (enjoying) the experience,” said Pujols, with an Angels cap perched atop his head again. “Some of these young guys are the future. I’ll do whatever I can to help them out to get their game better or to have success in their career.”
After Tim Salmon and Mark Gubicza have already spent time as guest instructors, Pujols will be joined by another Angels legend this week in Vladimir Guerrero.
Pujols’ desire to help extends beyond the Angels’ organization. He also has been named a manager in the Dominican Republic winter league, when he takes over for his favorite team as a youngster: Los Leones del Escogido.
So could a run as an MLB manager be in Pujols’ future?
“Yeah, I think, why not?” Pujols said. “If the opportunity is right one day, I think I’d be ready for that. But right now, I’m going to focus on what I need to do, which is here for a week and then in the D.R., getting the team ready.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had Pujols at his disposal for a large chunk of the 2021 season, is impressed.
“AP is one of my favorites and it’s great for baseball,” Roberts said of Pujols’ decision to manage in the Dominican…
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