Some MLB legends tend to fade into the background, while others remain tied to the game forever. The ones who provide their constant presence shape the game long after their playing days come to an end. And when the Hall of Fame manager recently praised Albert Pujols for his devotion to the game, it felt more like a message. A message that arrived rather layered.
How exactly did that praise turn into a dig? Let’s see. Apparently, Tony La Russa couldn’t stop gushing over Pujols. “The key is not whether you’re a great player or not, but whether you have that love for the game,” he expressed. “Torre, Dusty, they love the game. And Albert loves the game.”
When Pujols debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2001, he became an immediate sensation raking up 194 H, 37 HR, 130 RBI, 112 R, .329 BA, 1.013 OPS, 157 OPS+ in 161 games. Now fast forward that to 21 years and the pro was still raking 104 G, 21 HR, 58 RBI, .261 BA, .854 OPS, and 143 OPS+. Not only that but during his final season, he also managed to register his entry in the exclusive 700 Home Run Club.
And of course, after choosing to retire from the sport, the first baseman maintained his ties to the diamond. In February 2023, he commenced the beginning of his 10-year personal services contract with the Los Angeles Angels, where he served as the special assistant. Further, he also took his expertise in the game to the MLB Network Studio as an analyst.
Then in June 2023, he became the official global ambassador for Baseball United, which happens to be a professional baseball organization focusing on the Middle East and South Asia. And last year, he switched it up by trying his hand at managerial roles. But more on that later. All in all, it is safe when La Russa said, “So, if you have somebody with the kind of greatness like Albert, and is still motivated to stay close to the game, it’s a win-win for all of us.”
And now comes the twist. The 80-year-old added, “I don’t want to be critical, but there are guys who were great players in our game, gave it all they got, and then needed to back off.” Could he be hinting at Jeter and A-Rod? They have been two of baseball’s biggest icons, but interestingly, they never took up coaching or managerial roles. Instead, they led their own paths. One went into ownership while the other went into media and business.
The legitimate Yankee, Jeter, became the CEO of the Miami Marlins. He tried his luck at reshaping the team. Eventually, in 2022, he walked away. On the other hand, A-Rod became the face of baseball analysis on television. He also made some investments and even bought a piece of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with any of it. But according to La Russa, the real baseball legends, guys like Joe Torre, Dusty Baker, and now Albert Pujols, are the ones who stick around and continue to make an impact on the game through hands-on efforts.
The question that lingers is, does it really matter? Not all legends want to coach. Not all retired players are required to be in the dugout. According to the sources, La Russa’s statements have ignited an interesting debate. Does walking away mean you never loved the game enough? Or is it an individual choice to make? This debate isn’t settling down anytime soon.
For us, though, let’s come back to the managerial roles of Pujols.
Dominican Republic taps Albert Pujols as manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The likely future Hall of Famer and the icon of the St. Louis Cardinals is all set to manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Albert Pujols last played in the tournament back in 2006, and now it’s a full-circle moment for him. This time, he’s calling the shots.
And if we were to take any hint from his latest managerial run, the Dominican Republic is in safe hands. Last winter, Pujols led Leones del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican Winter League. And he wasn’t done there. He also managed the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series and achieved that title. He has been a proven leader on the field, and he’s now on the move to prove that he can lead from the bench.
Interestingly, this has raised speculations about Pujols’ management in the majors. The Cardinals have suffered in the past years, and his ex-teammate, Yadier Molina, has also been remarked as a powerful candidate for the job.
“I want to have the opportunity to be a manager here in the big leagues,” Pujols said. This gives us an indication that he’s not shying away from the idea of managing in the big leagues. According to Ron Washington, the Los Angeles Angels manager, it won’t be too long before Pujols is running an MLB team.
With this, we are certain about one thing—Pujols will never stop winning, whether as a player or as a manager. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
The post MLB Legend Takes a Veiled Dig at Derek Jeter & A-Rod for Giving Up Baseball Amid Albert Pujols Praise appeared first on EssentiallySports.
