Sammy Sosa's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Sammy Sosa.
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.
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.
1995: Wins Silver Slugger Award
In 1995, Sammy Sosa won the Silver Slugger Award, which is an award for offensive output.
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: 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.
1998: Wins Silver Slugger Award
In 1998, Sammy Sosa won the Silver Slugger Award, which is an award for offensive output.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 9, 2013: Sosa Not Elected into Hall of Fame
On January 9, 2013, Sammy Sosa was not elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving 12.5% of the vote.
