At almost 42 years old and having already fulfilled his 10-year, US $ 240 million contract in the just-concluded Major League season, Albert Pujols is living a “dream come true” with the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican League (LIDOM).
On Wednesday, future Cooperstown Hall of Famer pushed the tie race and the victory race with double and single to help the Chosen One defeat the Gigantes del Cibao and put their record at 6-6 this winter season. In fact, the native of Santo Domingo has boosted the winning career in two of the six triumphs of the “hairy”, as he left the opposition on the ground in his first game with the red team a week and a half ago.
Pujols has outnumbered the vast majority at the Major League level in a 21-year career, with 679 home runs, 3,301 hits, three NL MVP awards, 10 All-Star calls and two World Series rings. . But now, for the first time in his career in professional baseball, he participates in his country’s league, at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium — where he sold sandwiches and “frikitakis” as a teenager with his mother and stepfather.
“It’s one thing I’m always going to have, nice memories in my life,” Pujols said in an interview posted on the Chosen One’s YouTube page after his win over the Giants.
Selected in the LIDOM Draft by the Giants 19 years ago, Pujols enjoys this first experience playing in that league after the exchange at the end of October by the Chosen One.
“For me, this is a dream come true and I thank God who has given me this opportunity to be here. I feel very comfortable with this organization, with these guys ”.
In reality, Pujols is not “burning the league” at bat. He’s hitting .200 (30-6) in eight games, with only one extra base. But he has made an impact with the aforementioned hits to win games and his overall presence, wearing the number 5 — graciously granted upon his retirement by Lions legend Junior Noboa, current baseball commissioner in the Dominican Republic.
“Trying to adjust to the league,” Pujols said. “Trying to do the best I can to help this organization, this team win. I feel 100%. If not, he wasn’t here playing and giving the fans what they’ve always wanted, seeing Albert Pujols here in the winter league.
“I don’t like to make excuses, so I’m always going to be ready. Maybe I haven’t started the winter league the way I want to, but in the end, I think (it’s about) doing my best every time I’m playing in the lineup and giving 100% and helping the guys here. “
Pujols is not currently accompanied by his family, but the veteran hopes that will change soon. And he also hopes his loved ones can get a feel for the atmosphere in the league.
“I hope that when they come to the games, they really enjoy it, so they can see how the ball is played in the winter leagues.”
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Pujols lives “a dream come true” in the DR