Sammy Sosa

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Lore & Background

Nicknamed 'Slammin' Sammy', Sosa is third all-time in home runs among foreign-born MLB players and is one of only three National League players since 1900 to reach 160 RBIs in one season (2001). He is also the only player to have hit 60 or more home runs in a single season three times, which he accomplished in 1998, 1999, and 2001. Sosa did not lead the league in home runs in any of those seasons, although he did lead the league in 2000 with 50 home runs, and in 2002 with 49. In a 2005 congressional hearing, Sosa—through his attorney—denied having used performance-enhancing drugs during his playing career, following multiple accusations. In a 2024 public statement, Sosa admitted to having made 'mistakes' recovering from injuries during his career.

In Their Own Story

The summer of 1998 turned Wrigley Field into a stage for history. As Sosa chased McGwire's record, the tension mounted with every at-bat. By late August, Sosa had tied McGwire at 62 home runs, and by September 13, they were neck-and-neck again. Just eleven days later, with two games remaining in the season, both men stood at 66. The chase culminated when Sosa ended the season with 66 homers, just behind McGwire's 70. That same year, on June 24, he became the Cubs' first-ever 30-30 player (a feat he actually achieved in 1993, but the text highlights his speed and power evolution). In 2001, Sosa set personal records with a .328 batting average, 160 RBIs, and 425 total bases, leading the majors in runs and RBIs while finishing second in home runs behind Barry Bonds. Despite not leading the league in homers that year, his offensive explosion was undeniable, earning him Silver Slugger Awards from 1998 through 2002.

Reader's Guide

Sosa was born on November 12, 1968, in the Dominican Republic. Though born in a Batey community in Consuelo, his official registered birthplace is San Pedro de Macorís. He is known to family and friends as 'Mikey'. His maternal grandmother suggested his birth name of Samuel, and also came up with his nickname: '[She] heard the name on a soap opera she liked and decided from that moment on he would be Mikey.' Prior to making his major league debut, Sosa played for the Tulsa Drillers and Oklahoma City 89ers. He made his MLB debut on June 16, 1989, with the Texas Rangers, wearing #17 and leading off as the starting left fielder. He hit his first career home run off Roger Clemens. On July 29, 1989, the Rangers traded Sosa with Wilson Álvarez and Scott Fletcher to the Chicago White Sox for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique. The White Sox traded Sosa and Ken Patterson to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder George Bell before the 1992 season. Sosa batted .260 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in his first season with the Cubs. In 1993, he batted .261 with 33 home runs with 93 RBIs, stealing 38 bases to become the Cubs' first 30-30 player. In 1994, he batted .300 with 25 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. Sosa was named to his first All-Star team in 1995. In 144 games, he batted .268 with 36 home runs and 119 RBIs. In 1996, he batted .273 with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs. In 1997, Sosa batted .251 with a .300 on-base percentage, and led the league in strikeouts with 174 despite hitting 36 home runs with 119 RBIs. During the 1998 season, Sosa and Mark McGwire were involved in the 'home run record chase', when both players' prowess for hitting home runs drew national attention as they attempted to pass Roger Maris' single season home run mark of 61 home runs. Sosa ended the season with 66 home runs, finishing behind McGwire's 70. Sosa produced then career-highs in batting average and slugging percentage, at .308 and .647 respectively. Sosa also led the league in RBIs and runs scored. In 1998, Sosa's 416 total bases were the most in a single season since Stan Musial's 429 in 1948. Sosa's performance in the month of June, during which he belted 20 home runs, knocked in 47 runs, and posted an .842 slugging percentage, was one of the greatest offensive outbursts in major league history. Sosa won the National League Most Valuable Player Award for leading the Cubs into the pla

Did You Know?

• Sosa is one of only three National League players since 1900 to reach 160 RBIs in one season (2001).
• He is the only player to have hit 60 or more home runs in a single season three times (1998, 1999, 2001).
• Sosa did not lead the league in home runs in any of those three 60-homer seasons, but he did lead in 2000 (50) and 2002 (49).
• In a 2024 public statement, Sosa admitted to having made 'mistakes' recovering from injuries during his career.