This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
In 1998, the young Dominican from the baseball goldmine of San Pedro de Marcos hit 66 home runs - the second highest in baseball history. He is in pursuit of Mark McGwire in the race to break Roger Maris' record of 61 homers, which captivated the baseball world. Even though McGwire outpaced Sosa with 70 homers, Sosa's leadership, effervescent personality and humility gave him an overwhelming victory in balloting for the NL MVP award in one of baseball's most memorable seasons. In the neck of the jersey is a white label reading "21-48-98" denoting the player number, size and year, respectively. On the left front tail is the "Russell Athletic" label and size "48." On the left breast is the red/white blue Cubs emblem. On the back of the shirt is the name "Sosa" and below this is the player number "21." Both name and number are made of blue on red tackle twill. On the left sleeve is a patch reading "Hey Hey" commemorating the death of Jack Brickhouse and below this is the Cubs patch. On the right sleeve is a "Face" patch commemorating the death of Harry Caray. The jersey shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind.