Albert Almora Jr. Transitions from MLB Star to Community Mentor

Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr. finds himself at a new crossroads in life, not as a player but as an educator. With no opportunities to continue his professional baseball career this spring, Almora is embracing a chance to contribute to the sport that has defined his life.

A decade after he played a pivotal role in breaking the Cubs' 108-year World Series championship drought, Almora is now dedicated to mentoring young athletes. “Baseball has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Now it feels like I’m still a part of the game and helping it in a different way,” he expressed.

Almora was just 22 when he celebrated the Cubs' historic victory as a rookie. Reflecting on that experience, he remarked, “I was like, ‘oh, we’re going to win every year.’ Then, when you lose, you really learn to appreciate it even more when you do win.”

After five seasons with the Cubs and a wealth of experiences in the sport, Almora has shifted his training philosophy to encompass more than just physical skills. At his new velocity training facility in Addison, he emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, teaching young players how to cope with failure, manage pressure, and build confidence. “This is a game of failure. And if we can learn how to control that and learn how to master that, then all you gotta do is work hard,” he noted.

Having experienced the rigors of professional baseball firsthand, Almora's insights now shape his approach to coaching. He believes that giving back to the game, especially while being present for his children, holds immense value. “If I can still give back to the game in a different way while being with my kids, I think that’s just as valuable for me,” Almora concluded.