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Sammy Sosa Announces Retirement

On June 3, 2009 slugging former Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa announced his retirement from baseball.  Though he did not finish his career as a Cub, during the years of 1992-2004 Sammy Sosa became a modern day “Mr Cub” and won a special place in the hearts of Cubs fans in Chicago, the Dominican Republic and around the world.  His infectious smile, sprints to right field, home run hop and waving at the camera will forever be remembered by Cubs fans.

I’m sure we can expect Sammy Sosa’s jersey #21 to be flying over Wrigley Field very soon.  I imagine Mayor Daley will be declaring a “Sammy Sosa Day” in Chicago as well.  Maybe there could even be a parade too, unless we should save that for when Sammy is inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Wait, why save it?  Sammy deserves two parades!

This is Sammy Sosa after all.  Back in 1998 when the whole sporting world watched Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire’s record chasing home run season, it was said that Sammy could run for mayor of Chicago, governor of Illinois or any office he wanted and win easily.  It was certainly true.  The Cubs may not have been a very good team in 1998 but every Cubs game from Wrigley to Candlestick Park would sell out because everyone wanted to see Sammy.

Sammy Sosa retires as #6 on the all time home run list with 609, one of only six players with 600 or more career home runs.  He is the #1 all time Chicago Cubs home run leader.  Sosa is the only person to have ever hit 60 or more home runs in three seasons.  He won the NL MVP in 1998 and is a seven time All Star.  Sammy is probably the greatest hitting Chicago Cub ever.

So congratulations on your retirement Sammy.  You deserve some well earned rest and more time with your family.  Your accomplishments in Wrigley Field will always be remembered and all of us, like you, will be quietly awaiting your induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.