After a disappointing start to the 2024-25 LIDOM season, the Aguilas Cibaenas have started the season with a 2-7 record, prompting them to part ways with Manny Garcia. Former big league backstop Yadier Molina is taking over as manager for the Cibaenas.
Molina, 42, was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and is the brother of both Bengie and Jose Molina. The ten-time All-Star spent his entire career playing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 2004-2022. He is also a two-time World Series champion, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 2018.
After hanging up the spikes after the 2022 season concluded, Molina turned to managing. He spent the winter of 2022-23 managing in Liga Venezolano de Béisbol with the Navegantes de Magallanes. He then went on to manage Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and followed that with managing the Criollos de Caguas in Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente.
Also joining Molina in the Cibaena’s coaching staff is former MLB shortstop Rafael Furcal, who will serve as Molina’s assistant. Also joining Molina’s staff, former Cibaeña outfielder Carlos Gomez and former infielder Tony Peña Jr.
Molina’s former teammate and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Albert Pujols, is new to managing this winter. Pujols is in his first season at the helm for the Leones del Escogido. Currently, his team is in first place in the LIDOM standings, as the Leones del Escogido have a record of 7-3.
Molina and Pujols will be together once again on Tuesday, November 5, when their teams will face off. The first pitch is set for 7:30 PM, and the Cibaeñas will serve as the home team.
Photo Credit: Manager Yadier Molina #4 of Puerto Rico looks on during an exhibition game against the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park on March 09, 2023 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
