Sammy Sosa Career Biography and Statistics

Bio:
Sammy Sosa was born on November 12, 1968, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He made his debut in major league baseball with the Texas Rangers in 1989, the team that had signed him as a free agent in 1985. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox that same year and struggled his first few years in the league. Sosa was traded to the Chicago Cubs following the 1991 season, and it was with the Cubs that Sosa established himself as one of the best players in baseball.

Sosa played for the Cubs through the 2004 season, posting at least 30 home runs every year except one, seven years with at least 40 home runs, four years with at least 50 home runs, and three years with at least 60 home runs. In 1998 he and Mark McGwire both broke Roger Maris’ single season home run record of 61 (Sosa hit 66 and McGwire 70). Sosa was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2005 but had a very disappointing year. After sitting out the 2006 season, Sosa returned to baseball in 2007 with the Texas Rangers. Needing only 12 home runs to reach the coveted 600 career home run mark, Sosa accomplished the feat against the Cubs on June 20, 2007. He is a seven time All-Star and the 1998 recipient of the National League MVP. His career totals through the 2007 season include 609 home runs, 1,667 RBIs, 2,408 hits, and 1,475 runs scored.