June 14, 2007|By DAN CONNOLLY | DAN CONNOLLY,SUN REPORTER
Sosa has primarily been a DH this season, and with the Rangers in the middle of a six-game National League road trip that does not include the DH, he was expected to get just two outfield starts. Although it has reduced Sosa's opportunities for No. 600, Washington said he has to protect Sosa's health.
Sosa, for his part, said he is in no rush to get to the milestone.
"I am not here to hit 600 and then go home," he said.
At 38, he said he can play two to three more seasons, so he figures he'll reach 600 and keep going, while restoring his reputation as a player.
"It was tough leaving the game the way I did, to just disappear. That's tough for a person who had so much success in this game," he said. "Next time I am leaving, I am going to leave in a good way."
dan.connolly@baltsun.com
A part of history
Sammy Sosa, about to join the elite 600 club, owns three of baseball's eight 60-homer seasons (Sosa's total through last night):
Career leaders
Hank Aaron .................... 755
Barry Bonds ...................747
Babe Ruth .......................714
Willie Mays .......................660
Sammy Sosa ...................598
Season leaders
................................................ No. .............. Year
Barry Bonds ...................... 73 .............. 2001
Mark McGwire ................. .70 ............... 1998
Sammy Sosa ..................... 66 .................1998
Mark McGwire .................... 65 .............. 1999
Sammy Sosa ...................... 64 .............. 2001
Sammy Sosa ........................ 63 ............... 1999
Roger Maris ....................... 61 ............. 1961
Babe Ruth ........................... 60 ............. 1927
