Cooperstown Hall of Fame member Albert Pujols was unanimously selected by the organizing committee to manage the Dominican Republic’s national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as reported in Diario Libre.
The announcement was made by Team DR general manager Nelson Cruz, alongside a star-studded committee of baseball legends. The announcement follows Pujols winning the Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship with the Escogido Lions and that team’s win of the Caribbean Series in Mexico in February 2025. This was the first time, Pujols had managed a professional baseball team.
Cruz emphasized that Pujols’s appointment stems from his exceptional leadership, vast experience, and the profound respect he commands both on and off the field. These qualities, Cruz asserted, will be pivotal in guiding the Dominican team towards victory in 2026.
The decision was reached unanimously by the organizing committee, which includes iconic figures such as Juan Marichal, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martínez, Adrián Beltré, David Ortiz, and Edwin Encarnación.
“The committee’s decision was spot-on in choosing a manager with such strong leadership and confidence,” Cruz stated. “He will undoubtedly help us achieve the championship we so eagerly desire. Now, we need the support of every Dominican, united for a single cause: the 2026 Classic championship.”
Pujols expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge and his pride in leading the Dominican team in this new chapter. “It’s an honor and a pleasure,” Pujols said. “First and foremost, I thank God for this opportunity.”
“I am extremely proud to take on this responsibility,” he declared. “I know it will be a challenge for all of us, but the goal is to be aligned from day one and build the best possible team. The key will be unity and commitment to victory.”
Albert Pujols is revered as one of the greatest Dominican baseball players in Major League Baseball history. His career spans over 20 seasons with various teams, numerous awards, and an enduring legacy in the sport.
The WBC 2026 will mark the event’s 20th anniversary, with the Dominican Republic focused on replicating their historic undefeated feat from 2013.
The 20-team 2026 WBC will be held 5 to 17 March 2026. The Dominican Republic will be part of Pool D, which also includes Venezuela, the Netherlands, Israel, and a fifth team to be determined via qualifier play. The top two teams in each pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Listin Diario
Wikipedia World Baseball Classic
3 March 2025