Top celebrities attend Sosa's birthday bash

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November 12, 1999 -- It's been raining in Santo Domingo, but that should not affect all the enthusiasm for the Sammy Sosa's 31st birthday on Friday, November 12th. Sosa celebrated his birthday by throwing a huge party and inaugurating his US 5 million dollar home built between Anacaona and Hatuey streets in Santo Domingo. The city gave him a special concession. The number of his new home on the Avenida Anacaona, is the number 21, the same as his Cubs number and for his baseball idol, Roberto Clemente.

It has been reported that the over 1,000-person guest list was full of celebrities, millionaires and Dominican government leaders. Those of who attended the birthday bash were millionaire Donald Trump, musician Kenny G., Cuban salsa star Celia Cruz, Mexican singer Ana Barbera and actor Edward James Olmos all were there, along with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dominican President Leonel Fernandez, former Spanish President Felipe Gonzalez and Colombia's ex-President Belisario Betancourt. Not to mention a host of baseball stars who toasted the Chicago slugger and helped him open his new $5 million mansion in Santo Domingo: Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Rijo, Glenallen Hill and commissioner Bud Selig.

Michael Jackson was invited, but couldn't make it. Both of his parents did show up for his celebration. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton also were among absent invitees, but Clinton promised earlier to call Sosa to congratulate him.

"This is the first time I've ever celebrated my birthday. I've never had such an experience," Sosa enthused as he was acclaimed by thousands of people who gathered on the outskirts of his home, straining to catch a glimpse of the stars. Sosa said he might turn the bash into an annual event.

"I feel great that all these big celebrities have come to visit our beautiful country and I thank those who could not come because of previous engagements," said Sosa.

In other news with Sosa, newly hired manager Don Baylor said Monday at his introductory press conference that he wants Sosa to be "a more complete player by stealing at least 25 to 30 bases a year and reaching his defensive potential". Sosa has mentioned that he loves to steal bases and wants to be more of a complete player, now he'll get the opportunity. Expect Sosa to have a career year under the management of Don Baylor.