Albert Pujols, at 45, celebrated a stunning championship win with the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Professional Baseball League after defeating their rivals, the Tigres del Licey. The games were marked by intense competition with lengthy matchups highlighting the rivalry that has divided Dominican families for decades. Pujols, who hopes to manage in the major leagues, is not only realizing a childhood dream but also earning valuable experience in a highly regarded league before potentially moving up to the majors.
"It still hasn't hit me," he said from an interview room late Monday night, his left arm wrapped around the massive Copa Banreservas trophy after Escogido's nail-biting, 6-5 victory over Licey in Game 7.
The championship round against Licey -- the team with a record 24 LIDOM titles, including each of the last two -- was regarded as one of the best this island had ever seen.
Pujols, now 45 years old, and 28 months removed from his last major league game, aspires to someday manage in the big leagues and decided to cut his teeth in the hotbed that is the Dominican Professional Baseball League.
That was the team he cheered for every winter -- the team he promised to play with before his major league playing career ended.
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