Career Timeline of Sammy Sosa: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sammy Sosa made an impact.
Sammy Sosa is a Dominican-American former MLB right fielder, most notably with the Chicago Cubs. Known for his prodigious power, he hit his 400th home run faster than any National League player and is one of only nine players to reach 600 career home runs. Sosa played 18 seasons, also playing for the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox.
June 16, 1989: MLB Debut with Texas Rangers
On June 16, 1989, Sammy Sosa made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers, wearing #17 and playing left field. He also hit his first career home run off Roger Clemens.
1990: Plays for the White Sox
In 1990, Sammy Sosa played for the Chicago White Sox, batting .233 with 15 home runs, 70 runs batted in, 10 triples, and 32 stolen bases. He also had 150 strikeouts.
1992: Traded to the Chicago Cubs
Before the 1992 season, the Chicago White Sox traded Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder George Bell. Sosa batted .260 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in his first season with the Cubs.
1993: Becomes a 30-30 Player
In 1993, Sammy Sosa batted .261 with 33 home runs and 93 RBIs. He also stole 38 bases, becoming the Cubs' first 30-30 player.
1994: Improved Batting Average
In 1994, Sammy Sosa improved his batting average, ending up batting .300 with 25 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases.
1995: Named to First All-Star Team
In 1995, Sammy Sosa was named to his first All-Star team. He batted .268 with 36 home runs and 119 RBIs in 144 games.
1996: Continued Success with the Cubs
In 1996, Sammy Sosa continued his success with the Cubs, batting .273 with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs.
June 1998: Most Home Runs in a Month
Sammy Sosa hit the major-league record for the most home runs hit in a month, recording 20 home runs during June 1998.
1998: Hits 60+ Home Runs in a Single Season
In 1998, Sammy Sosa achieved the feat of hitting 60 or more home runs in a single season. He is the only player to have done this three times.
1998: Home Run Record Chase and "Slammin' Sammy" Nickname
In 1998, Sammy Sosa emerged as one of baseball's greatest players during the "home run record chase" with Mark McGwire, as they both attempted to pass Roger Maris' single season home run record of 61 home runs. He tied McGwire multiple times, finishing with 66 home runs. Cubs announcer Chip Caray nicknamed him "Slammin' Sammy".
1998: International Fame for Home Run Chase
In 1998, Sammy Sosa gained international fame alongside Mark McGwire during their pursuit of Roger Maris' single-season home run record. Sosa became a 7-time All-Star with the Cubs, holding numerous team records.
1998: Most Total Bases Since 1948
In 1998, Sammy Sosa recorded 416 total bases, the most in a single season since Stan Musial's 429 in 1948. He also had one of the greatest offensive months in MLB history during June, and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award.
1999: Hits 60+ Home Runs in a Single Season
In 1999, Sammy Sosa achieved the feat of hitting 60 or more home runs in a single season. He is the only player to have done this three times.
1999: Hits 63 Home Runs
In the 1999 season, Sammy Sosa hit 63 home runs, again trailing Mark McGwire, who hit 65.
2000: Leads the League in Home Runs
In 2000, Sammy Sosa led the league with 50 home runs.
2000: Leads League in Home Runs, Wins Babe Ruth Award
In the 2000 season, Sammy Sosa led the league by hitting 50 home runs. He received the Babe Ruth Home Run Award for leading MLB in homers.
2001: Reaches 160 RBIs in a Season
In 2001, Sammy Sosa became one of only three National League players since 1900 to reach 160 RBIs in a single season.
2001: Hits 64 Home Runs
In 2001, Sammy Sosa hit 64 home runs, becoming the first player to hit 60 or more home runs three times. He also set personal records in runs scored, RBI, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and batting average.
2002: Leads League in Home Runs
In 2002, Sammy Sosa led the league in home runs with 49.
January 28, 2005: Traded to Baltimore Orioles
On January 28, 2005, the Chicago Cubs traded Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles.
December 7, 2005: Orioles Decline Arbitration Contract
On December 7, 2005, the Baltimore Orioles decided not to offer Sammy Sosa an arbitration contract, effectively ending his tenure with the team.
January 2006: Turns Down Minor League Offers
At the end of January 2006, Sammy Sosa turned down two different minor-league offers from the Washington Nationals.
January 30, 2007: Signs Minor League Deal with Texas Rangers
On January 30, 2007, Sammy Sosa signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, his original team. The contract included an invitation to spring training.
April 26, 2007: Home Run in 45th Major League Ballpark
On April 26, 2007, Sammy Sosa made history by hitting a home run in his 45th major league ballpark.
May 2007: Home Run at Disney's Wide World of Sports
In May 2007, Sammy Sosa played games at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, near Orlando, Florida, and hit a home run at the usually minor-league and Spring training park
June 20, 2007: Hits 600th Career Home Run
On June 20, 2007, Sammy Sosa hit his 600th career home run off of Jason Marquis, becoming the fifth player in history to reach the milestone.
December 25, 2008: Sosa Announces Intent to Unretire
On December 25, 2008, Sammy Sosa announced that he intended to unretire and play in the World Baseball Classic, hoping to sign with a Major League ballclub in 2009.
