For the third time in the last two seasons, Sammy Sosa hit three home runs and then left the game when he could've had at least one more at bat to try and tie the record. Okay, the games were all routs (two Cubs wins in those three games) and maybe he wants some rest tonight before tomorrow's day game. But 4 homers is a famous mark. Why not give the fans something to watch for?

Do you know that it was Sammy's decision and not the manager's? Can't see any player taking himself out in that situation.

He removed himself yesterday. Once he was removed by Baylor. The third time it isn't quite clear, although the way the quote is written he didn't mind leaving. The following segments are from the article at ESPN.com:

[quote] Sosa removed himself from the game in the sixth, and his Chicago Cubs routed the Rockies 15-1 Saturday night.

"When you're up 15-1 and you have a day game the next day and you had a game like I had, you need to know when you've had enough,'' Sosa said. "I went 3-for-4 and had nine RBIs, and that was good enough for me.

"I have to give respect to the other team. I don't need to go out and get more. I had a pretty good day. So I decided to shut it down.''
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Twice last season, Sosa left games early after hitting his third home run.

On Aug. 9, 2001, he connected in the seventh inning at Wrigley Field and then came out of a 14-5 loss to Colorado. Sosa said he appreciated the break from the hot and humid conditions.

Then on Aug. 22, he left in the sixth after hitting his third homer in a 16-3 romp over Milwaukee. After that game, Cubs manager Don Baylor said he didn't want to embarrass an opponent.

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