WBRS Sports Blog

April 2 @ LA Angels - The Sosa debut is hyped all week long on ESPN as the Texas Rangers open their season on national television (ESPN2). The Rangers front office, who assumes Sosa has somewhat assimilated to the American culture after 17 seasons in the Majors, gives Sosa an itinerary in English. Naturally Sosa can't understand the document, misinterprets it as another Congressional hearing invitation, and nervously burns the paper...he also happens to miss the opening game of the season.

April 17 @ Chicago White Sox - After striking out on three pitches in his first at bat, 13 games into the season, Sosa connects with homers on his next two plate appearances. Although White Sox fans are upset that Sosa single-handedly beats the Sox, they all experience a bitter-sweet feeling knowing that Sosa is doing this with a team other than the Cubs.

May 3 @ New York Yankees - Since Sosa's three homer game against the Sox he has once again been shut out in the home run category. The drought comes to an end when Sosa hits #3 in Yankee Stadium as the Rangers outslug the Yanks 11-10. Following the game an irate George Steinbrenner demands a urine sample and the testing of his personal bats for cork from Commish Selig. Sosa's bat and urine are clean.



June 5 vs. Detroit Tigers - Sosa hits #7 of the season, but the real story happens before the game when stadium security officials spot Sammy Sosa and now Tiger Gary Sheffield comparing subpoenas in the visiting locker room.

June 19 vs. Chicago Cubs - It seems unnatural to see Sosa go up against the Cubs, but it certainly feels familiar for Sammy as Ameriquest Field is crowded with Cubs fans who have traveled from the north side all the way to Arlington, Texas in order to witness Sosa take on the Cubs. A Texas three-run first inning includes a Sosa long-ball that falls into the left field bleachers. Of all people, the ball lands in the hands of Steve Bartman, who has even come out of hibernation (apparently he has been hiding in Mexico this whole time). As Bartman "throws it back" the Cub heavy crowd not only embraces and forgives him, but Bartman proceeds to lead the crowd in a "Sosa Sucks" chant.



July 6 vs. Baltimore Orioles - The Texas allergies get to Sosa as he sneezes "violently" while in the on-deck circle. The game happens to be tied up in the bottom of the 9th and Sosa has to be pinch-hit for as he hits the ground with back spasms in front of a bewildered crowd.

July 13 @ Los Angeles Angels - The All-Star break has come and gone. Sosa has faired decently, but by no stretch of the imagination is he an All-Star. As the All-Star festivities occur, Sosa spends the all-star break at good friend Rafael Palmeiro's home. Sosa proceeds to hit home runs in 5 of next 7 games.



July 20 @ Cleveland Indians - Sosa is randomly tested for the 12th time this season and finally he fails his drug test. Sosa is immediately dropped by the Rangers and after serving out his suspension he is unclaimed on waivers.

September 1 - Sosa spends August training 8 hours a day, then joins buddy Mark McGwire in the pursuit of a PGA tour card, a sport which does not drug test.



February 4, 2008 - Celebrity Challenge @ Pebble Beach - After the whole Q school thing didn't pan out for Sosa or McGwire, they are partnered together in the Celebrity Challenge at Pebble Beach. A fuming Sosa leaves after the first hole, after feeling insulted when someone asks if he is McGwire's caddy.