Sosa Returns

Today finally looks to be the type of weather we normally get during spring training here in Mesa, an expected high of 78 degrees. The Texas Rangers will be the Cubs opponent today, and with the Rangers will be Sammy Sosa in his first return to Hohokam Stadium since March of 2004. (having been traded in January of 2005) Apparently the reports of Sosa’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, at least judging by his numbers this spring .417 BA, 3 HR’s, .778 SLG and 9 strike outs. Sosa started his career with Texas as a skinny 16 year old, and the Rangers with the American League DH appear to be the right spot for him to reach 600 HR’s, he’s only 12 shy of the lofty mark.

Before this spring I thought I would never announce Sosa’s name again at Hohokam, if he plays today (looks like he will) it’s going to be a little weird saying his name without the home team emphasis after doing it the same way for a dozen years. Similar to the first time I announced Mark Grace after he left the Cubs and became a Diamondback. It will be interesting to see what kind of reception Sammy gets from the Hohokam crowd, my guess is pretty favorable in spite of the situation surrounding his departure from the Cubs.

Sosa Then

Sosa Now