ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sammy Sosa, still without an offer to play in the major leagues, intends to retire from baseball after the next World Baseball Classic, according to published reports.


I'm not looking for a job. In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams. I'm not retired ... not begging for a contract.
-- Sammy Sosa, in Hoy


"It's part of the plan. It would be great if folks can see me for the last time wearing the uniform of the [Dominican Republic] National Team," Sosa told Hoy, a Dominican newspaper.



"It's always an honor to represent your country," added Sosa, whose motivation to play in the WBC increased once Felipe Alou, a fellow native Dominican, was named manager of the national club.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sosa reiterated his retirement plans.

"That's my wish," he said during a telephone interview from Miami, "to put on my country's uniform so people can see me playing again.

"That doesn't mean I'm retiring. It's not time for that yet."

The second WBC, with 16 countries in the field, will begin play in March 2009. The Dominican Republic will play its first-round games in Puerto Rico.


Sosa did not play in the first edition of the WBC in 2006. That same year, the right fielder did not play in the majors after rejecting a contract offer from the Washington Nationals.

Sosa, 39, currently a free agent, had 21 home runs and 92 RBIs in 114 games last season with the Texas Rangers. Last June against the Cubs, his former team, Sosa became the fifth player in history to hit 600 home runs, following the path of Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660).

Crasnick's Starting 9

Sammy Sosa is among the familiar faces who have drifted from Major League Baseball's scene without saying goodbye. Story

"There's something that I wish to state very clearly: I'm not looking for a job. In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams," Sosa told Hoy. "I'm not retired. I remain highly focused and not begging for a contract."



Sosa is involved in charitable work and a variety of business interests in the Dominican. He travels extensively and is close friends with Dominican president Leonel Fernandez Reyna.

"Sammy's living his life,'' his agent, Adam Katz, told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. "He keeps himself very busy.''


Sosa, the National League MVP in 1998, is the only hitter to surpass 60 or more homers in a season three times.

Source: ESPN.com

Sammy Sosa is one of my all time favorite players. I really wished he would played for at least another 3 or 4 years. But I think towards the end of his career he became too much of a premadona and that's why no one offered him a worthwhile contract. A shame because I think he had a lot left and could have passed the 700 HR mark.

As far as playing in the WBC in 09, i'm not too keen on that idea. As good as he was and could still be, after being off for almost 2 years I think he would be more of a liability than an asset. I love Sammy and he will always be the man in my book, but I think he should sit this one one. I really want to see my country kick A$$.

Sammy "El Corcho " Sosa.....it seams as though his popularity and likability has fallen from the great heights it occupied a few years ago....also due to steroids he is a long shot for the hall of fame

Sammy Sosa is an embarassment to the Dominican Republic and it's people. The Steroid issuse aside he was caught cheating red-handed then gave one of the ridiculous excuses ever.
I am friends with 2 baseball writers who have a vote on the Hall of Fame Committee. neither will be voting for Mr. Sosa

None of those guys ...you know who....are getting in until they let Pete Rose in....that is my opinion

Well then Nobody is getting in then.

Pete Rose was the worse of the worse. great ball player but he broke the #1 rule.

"Well I guess no ones getting in then ........".Say it aint so joe"

Barry Bonds, Mark Mcgure, and Rafael Palmeiro will not get in. I think Slammin' Sammy still has a chance.

McGuire hasn't even come close to getting in even though he is eligible. Raffa will not get in due his positive test for steroids.
Bonds....Lets wait and see how the trial goes.

Sammy " El Corcho " does not have a chance if Maguire and Bonds and Palmiero dont get in why would "Corky" as he is now known by opposing players have a chance .....Rose has to get in first before these cheaters have a chance