Renewed Pujols prepares for a life off the field

For many (including myself) who grew up watching Albert Pujols as a player, the end of his career had a bittersweet taste. Everyone is aware that when his time comes, “The Machine” will be taken to Cooperstown immortality, but knowing that a player who played for more than two decades at the highest level of Major League Baseball will no longer be around, especially someone with as much significance to his country as Albert Pujols, has an emotional impact.

However, during the Dominican Baseball Legends Day tribute to his great career, everyone was able to appreciate a renewed Pujols.

In fact, during the morning of Sunday, December 4, Pujols was present at the Juan Marichal Award ceremony, where he was presented with a special recognition for his career. From that moment on, those who were present were able to notice a more relaxed man than usual, without the huge competitive fire in his eyes that was noticeable in “The Machine”. This is the sign that Pujols is happy with the end of his career and excited for what comes next.

“I’m sleeping like a baby,” Pujols said amid laughter. “I don’t have to worry about my swing or anything. My routine now is maybe going to the gym a little bit and I’m sleeping super well, because I know the stress is no longer coming. Just as success comes, so comes the stress of baseball,” added the Dominican.

Pujols took the opportunity to reveal the “main reason” why he decided to retire from the Major Leagues.

“When young talents come up to you, the (Vladimir) Guerrero Jr, (Juan) Soto and say ‘you’re my favorite ballplayer since I was a kid’, I said ‘well, it’s time to retire'” added Pujols, also amid laughter.

In general terms, Pujols was more than grateful for all those who at some point contributed a grain of sand to his career. He thanked his fans, the press, and the three teams that gave him the opportunity to realize his dream. The boy who sold frikitakis (a traditional Dominican sandwich) at the Quisqueya Stadium in his native Dominican Republic, today is happy for everything he has achieved along the way.