Big Papi and Moises Alou may come back to the Leones del Escogido
David Ortiz and Moisés Alou could be back to the Leones del Escogido Baseball Team, according to the immediate plans of President José Miguel Bonetti.
“This is part of the readjustment that we will make in the general management of the team and in the general structure. We have decided to work more as a team with our manager José Gómez, and we are preparing to incorporate Moisés and David in direct consultation with the president and management”, said Bonetti.
Gómez has been in the manager position since February 15th, 2018, when he was introduced and confirmed in the position after Moisés decided to take a break. Since then, the team has not returned to a final series.
His last crown occurred in the 2015-16 tournament under the leadership of Luis Rojas, current manager of the New York Mets and brother of Moisés (both sons of Felipe Alou).
Moisés was an integral part of the Leones del Escogido since the three families (Bonetti, Najri, and Vicini) bought the club in 2008. At once they won their first championship, 2008-09, and headed for the title in 3 of the next 4 tournaments.
Since then, with the presence of these families there, the Escogido has been the winner of Lidom with 4 crowns, followed by Licey, Toros, and Aguilas with 2 each, Gigantes and Estrellas one.
Big Papi, as David is known, was a prominent player for the Leones del Escogido from 1994-2004. Ortiz was champion in the Caribbean Series in 2003 reinforcing the Aguilas Cibaeñas, in Puerto Rico. In that event, he was elected MVP by shooting 2 home runs and 11 RBIs.
Alou retired from general management after having achieved 4 titles. At that time he said that he needed to rest, and focus on his work as an outside advisor to the general manager of the San Diego Padres.
Since his absence, Alou has stayed away from Dominican ball, although he has been seen in the park on occasion.
“We know that Gomez is still young and we want to inject him with a bit of seniority and experience to see if we can get a new title. That is why I am thinking of convincing Moisés to come to my office again, and I will also do the same with David, ”said Bonetti.
Ortiz has never served as an executive or instructor for the Leones, and since his retirement from the major league five years ago he has been working with the Boston Red Sox in various roles.
In a 20-year career in the majors (1997-2016) Ortiz hit 541 home runs, drove in 1,768 with 2,472 hits. His batting average was .286.
Big Papi will be inducted into the Hall of Fame ballots for 2022, the announcement would be made next January and he is expected to be elected at his earliest opportunity.