Since his days as a once beloved Chicago Cub, sprinting into the field with glee and blasting homeruns in Wrigleyville; Sammy Sosa now wants to calls it quits. After playing one season with the Baltimore Orioles, Sosa hasn't be able to reach an agreement the Washington Nationals for the 2006 season. Apparently they feel his performance has been sub-par in the last 2 or 3 years and wanted to sign him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He'd have to work for a starting position which probably made him mad. The proposal for the Major League deal by Washington didn't suit Sosa either, he wanted more money.
The real issue behind this poor decision is obviously steroids. After the congressional hearings last year Sosa hurt his reputation and career. Suspicions grew, therefore effecting Sammy's performance in games and appeal as a prominent baseball figure. Seeing this ugly chain of events unravel with this conclusive nail in the coffin is disheartening for Sosa fans. I've been a long-time, devout Cubs fan and hate to see such a pitiful outcome. This is not to say I feel sympathetic towards Sammy, but to signify what a real lousy way to end a career. He owes a debt of gratitude to fans who've supported him for years and should care less about money at this point in his life. Such selfishness and lack of consideration reflects a negative image on his character while further damaging his baseball status.
The old Sammy Sosa appears to be long gone, refusing to be open about his history with performance-enhancing drugs, thus tarnishing all creditable records held. Everyone is concerned about him destroying his chances of advancing up the ladder on the all-time homerun list by hitting at least 12 more to reach 600. Well, personally I don't think that matters if he cheated to reach this feat. The same goes for any other player. Mark McGwire alienated himself for refusing to comment on steroids or tell his story. The only way Sosa could finish his career with dignity is continuing to play the game (a few more years or longer) clean and performed to his best ability. That's all fans want and expect. They'll at least respect him and still show support.
Any player in the Major Leagues knows better than to cheat the system. Few can get away it. Sooner or later lying and gambling with careers catches up to people. Superstars become too big for their own good sometimes and let the paychecks go to their head. Playing baseball should never be about money, though it will never change because of closed-minded individuals. Players today are more concerned about salary rather than their team sucking or ever making a run as a serious contender. What a great shame!
If a new rule was appointed by MLB with a favored vote by owners requiring that no longer active player can make more than $4 million per year. Also, to prevent arbitration and strike-outs a clause stating that any player who refuses to adhere to these legal conditions will have placed on waivers, deemed a free agent until September while being docked 50% of their annual pay and losing incentives (bonus, paid car rental, hotel, etc.) A policy like this of course will cause quarreling, but leave no room for negotiating, being a small sacrifice to play baseball. Then money won't be so much of an obstacle for teams to work around. It will be good for the game.
Again, it's depressing to hear the foreboding announcement about Sammy Sosa's retirement. If anything good comes out of this, maybe it will teach younger players to make smart decisions. If they want to hang around in the majors to serve a honorable career they'll learn from Sosa's mistakes. Shame and abandonment lead down lonely roads. Every player wishes to be well-liked and valued by a team and fans. In order for this to happen players must stick to morally sound principles and follow the rules no matter what. Sammy let other things cloud his judgment, maybe costing him the ultimate price. I wish it weren't so...
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