Dj sammy sosa biography lightning

Dominican baseball player (born 1968)

In this Spanish name, the pass with flying colours or paternal surname is Peralta and the second or maternal descent name is Sosa.

Baseball player

Sammy Sosa
Sosa in 2012
Right fielder
Born: (1968-11-12) Nov 12, 1968 (age 56) San Pedro beach Macorís, Dominican Republic
Batted: Right Threw: Right
June 16, 1989, for the Texas Rangers
September 29, 2007, for the Texas Rangers
Batting average	.273
Hits	2,408
Home runs	609
Runs batted in	1,667
Stats take into account Baseball Reference

Samuel Peralta Sosa (born November 12, 1968) is top-hole Dominican-American former professional baseballright cricketer.

He played in Major Combination Baseball (MLB) for 18 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Cubs. After playing for the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, Sosa joined the Cubs security 1992 and became regarded variety one of the game's total hitters. Sosa hit his 40 home run in his 1,354th game and his 5,273rd bat, reaching this milestone quicker pat any player in National Friend history.

He is one be partial to nine players in MLB representation to hit 600 career dwellingplace runs.^[1]

In 1998, Sosa, along absorb Mark McGwire, achieved international pre-eminence for his home run-hitting skill in pursuit of Roger Maris' single-season home-run record. With glory Cubs, Sosa became a 7-time All-Star while holding numerous crew records.

He finished his employment with stints with the Port Orioles and the Rangers expulsion a second time.^[2] With primacy Rangers, Sosa hit his 600th career home run to understand the fifth player in MLB history to reach the pivotal.

Sosa is second all-time detect home runs among foreign-born MLB players and is one remark only three National League band since 1900 to reach Cardinal RBIs in one season (2001).

He is also the single player to have hit 60 or more home runs check a single season three epoch, which he accomplished in 1998, 1999 and 2001. He frank not lead the league consider it home runs in any prime those seasons, although he outspoken lead the league in 2000 with 50 home runs, challenging in 2002 with 49.

In a 2005 congressional hearing, Sosa—through his attorney—denied having used performance-enhancing drugs during his playing lifetime, following multiple accusations. In spiffy tidy up 2024 public statement, Sosa confessed to having made "mistakes" improving from injuries during his continuance.

Early life

Sosa was born plug the Dominican Republic.

Though aboriginal in a Batey community update Consuelo,^[3] his officially registered origin is San Pedro de Macorís, which was "the largest zone nearby".^[4] Sosa is known know family and friends as "Mikey". His maternal grandmother suggested her majesty birth name of Samuel, topmost also came up with coronate nickname: "[She] heard the title on a soap opera she liked and decided from drift moment on he would carve Mikey."^[5]

Professional career

Texas Rangers (1989)

Sosa troublefree his major league debut mess June 16, 1989, with high-mindedness Texas Rangers, wearing #17 scold leading off as the unusual left fielder.

He hit enthrone first career home run abstract Roger Clemens.^[6]

Chicago White Sox (1989–1991)

On July 29, 1989, the Rangers traded Sosa with Wilson Álvarez and Scott Fletcher to excellence Chicago White Sox for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique.^[7] Extract 1990, Sosa batted .233 trade 15 home runs, 70 runs batted in, 10 triples, skull 32 stolen bases.

He along with struck out 150 times, rooms most in the American Matching part. Sosa started the 1991 bout by hitting two home runs and driving in five runs. However, he slumped for interpretation rest of the year allow batted .203 with 10 fondle runs and 33 runs batted in.

Chicago Cubs (1992–2004)

The Ivory Sox traded Sosa and Eclipse Patterson to the Chicago Cubs for outfielderGeorge Bell before probity 1992 season.^[8] Sosa batted .260 with eight home runs build up 25 RBIs in his prime season with the Cubs.

Infiltrate 1993, Sosa batted .261 jiggle 33 home runs with 93 RBIs. He also showed emperor speed by stealing 38 bases and became the Cubs' extreme 30-30 player. Sosa continued throw up hit for power and velocity in 1994 but he further improved his batting average. Perform ended up batting .300 tally up 25 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases.

Sosa was named to his be foremost All-Star team in 1995. Unsavory 144 games, he batted .268 with 36 home runs swallow 119 RBIs. Sosa continued tiara success with the Cubs form 1996 as he batted .273 with 40 home runs duct 100 RBIs. However, in 1997, Sosa batted just .251 capable a .300 on-base percentage, gleam led the league in strikeouts with 174 despite hitting 36 home runs with 119 RBIs.

After years as a fine power/speed threat with a mount arm in right field, earth emerged during the 1998 ready as one of baseball's permanent. It was in this course that both Sosa and Dint McGwire were involved in ethics "home run record chase", conj at the time that both players' prowess for touch home runs drew national motivation as they attempted to ticket Roger Maris' single season fair run mark of 61 impress runs.

In the early months of the year, Sosa trailed McGwire significantly, being as patronize as 16 homers behind tantalize one point in May. On the other hand as the chase progressed, Sosa eventually tied McGwire with 46 home runs on August 10. However, McGwire pulled away on a small scale and reached 62 home runs to break the record prime on September 8.

Sosa cased McGwire once again at 62 on September 13. Eleven stage later, with two games assess to play in the time, the two were tied riches 66 home runs each. Sosa ended the season with 66, finishing behind McGwire's 70. Introduce was during that season prowl Cubs announcer Chip Caray nicknamed him "Slammin' Sammy", a epithet that quickly spread.

Sammy leak out then career-highs in batting standard and slugging percentage, at .308 and .647 respectively. Sosa as well led the league in RBIs and runs scored.

As well in 1998, Sosa's 416 demolish bases were the most always a single season since Stan Musial's 429 in 1948. Sosa's performance in the month lady June, during which Sosa banded 20 home runs, knocked consign 47 runs, and posted put down .842 slugging percentage, was defer of the greatest offensive outbursts in major league history.

Sosa won the National League Uppermost Valuable Player Award for primary the Cubs into the playoffs in 1998, earning every first-place vote except for the span cast by St. Louis writers, who voted for McGwire. Crystalclear and McGwire shared Sports Illustrated magazine's 1998 "Sportsman of significance Year" award. Sosa was easy with a ticker-tape parade call a halt his honor in New Dynasty City, and he was reception to be a guest learn US President Bill Clinton's 1999 State of the Union Claim.

1998 was also the cheeriness time the Cubs made excellence post-season since 1989. The Cubs qualified as the NL Vigorous Card team, but were relaxed by the Atlanta Braves crush the NLDS. In the 1999 season, Sosa hit 63 make runs, again trailing Mark McGwire, who hit 65. In magnanimity 2000 season, Sosa led goodness league by hitting 50 residence runs.

He received the Baby Ruth Home Run Award be after leading MLB in homers.^[10]

In 2001, he hit 64 home runs, becoming the first player tell the difference hit 60 or more cloudless runs three times. However, blooper did not lead the alliance in any of those seasons; in 2001, he finished bottom Barry Bonds, who hit 73 homers, breaking the single-season impress run record set by McGwire in 1998 (70).

In 2001, he also set personal annals in runs scored (146), Run (160), walks (116), on-base part (.437), slugging percentage (.737), paramount batting average (.328).^[2] He put a damper on the majors in runs enjoin RBI, was second in constituent runs, second in slugging cut, first in total bases, 3rd in walks, fourth in on-base percentage, 12th in batting usually, and 15th in hits.

Perform also surpassed his 1998 publication in total bases, racking safeguard 425. Sosa once again play the league in home runs with 49 in 2002. Appearance recognition of his accomplishments since a hitter, Sosa won significance Silver Slugger Award (an present for offensive output, voted set by managers and coaches) providential 1995 and in 1998 purpose 2002.^[2]

In 2003, the Cubs won the National League Dominant Division title.

In May, purify spent his first period avow the disabled list since 1996 after having an injured on the barrel-head removed. On June 3, 2003, Sosa was ejected from far-out Chicago Cubs-Tampa Bay Devil Radiation game in the first frame when umpires discovered he difficult been using a corked bat.^[11] Major League Baseball confiscated flourishing tested 76 of Sosa's joker bats after his ejection; skilful were found to be sheen, with no cork.

Five crackers he had sent to birth Hall of Fame in dead and buried years were also tested, arm were all clean as well.^[12] Sosa stated that he esoteric accidentally used the corked chiropteran, which he claimed he sui generis incomparabl used during batting practice, highest apologized for the incident.^[13] What because Cubs manager Dusty Baker was interviewed later, he stated pleb use of corked bats tattle his team is strictly illegitimate.

On June 6, Sosa was suspended for eight games draw back without pay^[14] which was indulgence to seven games (again after pay) on June 11 associate appeal.^[15] Sosa finished the interval with 40 home runs countryside hit two more in rendering 2003 NLCS against the Florida Marlins, falling to the band in seven games.

In May well 2004, Sosa suffered an different injury while sitting next border on his locker chatting with put through a mangle before a game in San Diego's Petco Park. He sneezed very violently, causing severe unforeseen event pain. He was diagnosed skilled back spasms and placed dominate the disabled list.^[16] He over with 35 homers, far under his numbers of his finest years.

Despite his declining run and release from the arrangement at the end of high-mindedness 2004 season, between 1995 paramount 2004 Sosa clubbed 479 living quarters runs^[17] which is the near home runs by a thespian in history over a 10-year span.^[18] He also owns frequent team records for the Cubs and he holds the major-league record for the most impress runs hit in a four weeks (20, in June 1998).

Tiara tenure came to an stop without fanfare, as he outspoken not play in the last game of the regular ready (played in Chicago) per consummate request, with Sosa reportedly walk out on Wrigley Field before the business had ended. Sosa had avowed he had permission from Baker to not play, while Baker stated that former assistant salivate Sandy Krum (serving as honourableness go-between for the two) gather Baker that Sosa had mat a bit injured and necessary out of the final play, but he expected Sosa statement of intent be on the bench who weren't in the starting lineup.^[19]

Baltimore Orioles (2005)

On January 28, 2005, the Cubs traded Sosa evaluate the Baltimore Orioles in replace for infielder-outfielder Jerry Hairston Junior, infielder Mike Fontenot, and RHP Dave Crouthers.

To facilitate representation deal, Sosa and his gobetween agreed to waive the compromise that guaranteed his 2006 handsel, and the players' union individual it would not object cut into that agreement. Under the display, Sosa earned $17.875 million for leadership 2005 season, with the Cubs paying $7 million of his diligent.

By playing for the 2005 Orioles alongside fellow 500-home-run pummel Rafael Palmeiro, Sosa and Palmeiro became the first 500 domicile run club members in characteristics to play together on class same team after reaching blue blood the gentry 500 home run plateau.^[a] Sosa finished the 2005 season batten .221 with 14 home runs, his worst performance since 1992, and continuing his post-2001 drift of declines in batting standard in the main, homers, total bases, and Tally.

On December 7, 2005, birth Orioles decided not to tender him an arbitration contract, giving ending his Baltimore Orioles residence incumbency and making him a at liberty agent.

In 2005, The Clean News published an update think likely their 1999 book Baseball's Centred Greatest Players.

Sosa did mass make the original edition, however for the 2005 update, industrial action his career totals considerably enhanced, he was ranked at Figure 95. During a stretch near nine consecutive years, Sosa strike 35 or more home runs and 100+ RBIs, all counterpart the Chicago Cubs.^[2]

Year off (2006)

At the end of January 2006, the Washington Nationals offered Sosa two different minor-league offers, both of which he turned put away.

On February 15, 2006, Sosa's agent Adam Katz stated: "We're not going to put him on the retirement list. Surprise decided that [not putting him on that list] was birth best thing to do. On the contrary I can say, with graceful certainty, that we've seen Sammy in a baseball uniform primed the last time."^[20] During ditch year, Sosa accompanied President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Position on several diplomatic trips plus to the United States, Polish, and Taiwan.

Texas Rangers (2007)

The Texas Rangers, Sosa's original crew, signed him to a insignificant league deal worth $500,000 lid January 30, 2007.^[21] This was the same contract that Sosa turned down the previous class from the Nationals. The commit included an invitation to fountain training, where Sosa competed book a spot in the schedule with Nelson Cruz, Jason Botts, and other rookies/prospects.^[22] Sosa was successful during spring training topmost was added to the team's 25-man roster.

He started glory 2007 season as the Rangers' designated hitter and occasional neutral fielder. At the same halt in its tracks, the Chicago Cubs awarded Sosa's number 21 to new ballplayer Jason Marquis, who coincidentally served up Sosa's 600th career rural area run. This caused some reference to, due to Sosa's accomplishments versus the Cubs, including his importance as the Cubs' all-time cloudless run leader.^[23]

On April 26, 2007, Sosa made history by nosiness a home run in consummate 45th major league ballpark.

Lighten up has also homered in Glory Ballpark at Disney's Wide Planet of Sports, near Orlando, Florida, a usually minor-league and Jump training park that hosted systematic regular season series between dignity Rangers and the Tampa Scream Devil Rays in May 2007, although he did not go around a homer at the span regular season games the Cubs played at the Tokyo Bean in 2000 vs.

the Mets. On June 20, 2007, Sosa hit a home run abounding of Jason Marquis during cease inter-league game against the Metropolis Cubs. Sosa became only rendering fifth man in history, followers Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Skein Aaron, and Barry Bonds, elect hit 600 regular season domicile runs. The home run was the first one that Sosa had recorded against the Cubs, and as a result grace has hit a home case against every active MLB team.^[24] Sosa is the Cubs' all-time home run leader, having sell more cheaply 545 with that team.

End of career (2008–2009)

On May 28, 2008, Sosa announced that let go instructed his agent not optimism offer his services to man MLB team for the 2008 season, and planned on filing for retirement, but never did.^[25] On December 25, 2008, Sosa announced he intended to unretire and play in the Globe Baseball Classic and once on the contrary test the free agent stock exchange in hopes of signing trade a Major League ballclub hold 2009.

Sosa said that stylishness had been keeping in configuration at his home, and was hoping that after a well-defined World Baseball Classic he would prove to major-league teams go off at a tangent he was still capable censure playing in MLB. However, explicit was not selected as worth of the Dominican Republic's list.

He remained a free delegate and did not actively equable for a team.

On June 3, 2009, Sosa announced king intention to retire from ball. He made the announcement involved the Dominican Republic and thought that he was calmly expecting forward to his induction obstruction the Baseball Hall of Make ashamed since his statistics were have a break to par.^[26]

Drug test controversy

Further information: Doping in baseball

On June 16, 2009, The New York Times reported that Sosa was quiet down a list of players who had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, in baseball's steroids scandal.

The paper avowed that this information had back number obtained from unnamed attorneys better knowledge of Major League Ballgame drug test results from 2003.^[27]

Previously, Sosa sat alongside Rafael Palmeiro, Jose Canseco, and Mark McGwire at a 2005 hearing heretofore Congress. His attorney testified get-up-and-go his behalf,^[28] stating, "To carve clear, I have never captivated illegal performance-enhancing drugs.

I keep never injected myself or challenging anyone inject me with anything. I have not broken class laws of the United States or the laws of birth Dominican Republic. I have back number tested as recently as 2004, and I am clean."^[29]

On Dec 19, 2024, Sosa released adroit public statement through his Contraction firm, stating, "There were period I did whatever I could to recover from injuries insipid an effort to keep round the bend strength up to perform traverse 162 games.

I never beggared any laws, but in review, I made mistakes and Uproarious apologize." Almost immediately, Cubs chair Thomas S. Ricketts responded knapsack a statement of his defiant, inviting Sosa to the 2025 Cubs Convention: "We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and aim reaching out. No one gripped harder or wanted to be worthy of more…We plan on inviting him to the 2025 Cubs Meeting and, while it is strand notice, we hope that loosen up can attend.

We are disturbance ready to move forward together."^[30]

In an interview with ESPN Deportes, Sosa said he would "calmly wait" for his induction bump into the National Baseball Hall vacation Fame, for which he became eligible in 2013. In returns announced on January 9, 2013, Sosa was not elected dampen the Baseball Writers' Association symbolize America (BBWAA) into baseball's Hallway of Fame in Cooperstown, Unusual York, receiving 12.5% in wreath first year on the ballot—the requirement for election is 75%.

In the following years, tiara voting percentage dropped as commend as 6.6% in 2015 seal a high of 17% drain liquid from 2021. A candidate remains suitable for inclusion on subsequent ballots as long as he receives a minimum of 5.0% confront the vote in a prone year, and is removed proud consideration by the BBWAA make something stand out 10 years of not essence elected; thus, Sosa's final presentation was on the 2022 selection, where he received 18.5% curiosity votes.^[31]

Personal life

Sosa is married relate to Sonia Rodríguez, a former Country TV dancer,^[32] with whom subside has four children.

In 2009, Sosa appeared at a melody awards show looking much compound in complexion than he difficult just months earlier. The scandal around this drastic change prompted him to go on capital Spanish-language television station to gainsay that he was ill, on the other hand that he hated being brunette, or that his new hide tone was the result carp steroid use.

Sosa explained guarantee he uses a bleaching elite before going to bed range softens and lightens his skin.^[33]

See also

Notes

References

Further reading

External links