The man who managed the Dominican Republic's most recent Caribbean Series champion says he won't manage in the island's six-team winter league again.
Albert Pujols didn't mince words when asked if he'd consider taking another managing in LIDOM, telling Listin Diario in a question and answer interview, "I'm focused on my job as president of baseball operations and helping the Estrellas win the championship. I have no intention of returning to manage in the Dominican league."
After winning the LIDOM championship and the Caribbean Series with the Leones del Escogido, Pujols did not return as manager for the 2025-26 season.
"I decided to take a year off from the Dominican league. I was focused on other commitments in the United States, working with the Angels, the commissioner, and MLB, in addition to broadcasting games," Pujols told Listin Diario. "During that time, I ran into [Estrellas owner] Miguel Feris at the golf course, and he suggested I join the Estrellas to help build a team and prepare for a championship."
He has took the job, and is now the president of baseball operations for LIDOM's equivalent of the Chicago Cubs. In 116 years, the club has won just three LIDOM titles and has never won a Caribbean Series.
"I made it clear to Miguel that I didn't want to wear the manager's uniform again in the Dominican Republic, but that I could advise and help him in any way he needed. So I started working with the organization last November, initially as a sort of trial, without any announcement. Don Miguel liked my work and the ideas I was contributing, and then I was hired as president of baseball operations."
Pujols told the paper that he felt disrespected within the Leones organization, which led to his decision to not serve as a manager again.
"I prefer not to go into details or identify the people involved. These are situations from the past, and now I'm focused on the opportunity I have with the Stars," Pujols said. "There were people who acted as if they owned the organization more than the actual owners. I can't work with people like that. For me, the most important thing is respect for my principles, my family, and God. It's not about his career as a baseball player, but about being respected as a person."
Pujols will, nonetheless, look to build a winner in San Pedro de Macoris, where he'll be eternally respected if he can bring a Caribbean Series title home to the Estrellas fans.
The LIDOM season starts Oct. 16, with the Estrellas traveling to La Romana to face the Toros del Este on opening night.