October 2, 2000 -- Dominican slugger of the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa has fallen short of the home run title the past two years to the big guy -- Big Mac, Mark McGwire, but in 2000, Sosa won his first home run title of his career.

In 1998, Sosa gave us thrilling moments by surpassing Roger Maris' home run record of 61 and finished the season with 66, but Mark McGwire hit 70 and became the new single season record holder for home runs.

In 1999, Sosa came close to winning the home run title, but once again Big Mac powered 65 home runs to beat Sosa's 63.

But in 2000 -- Mark McGwire had problems staying healthy which resulted in many missed games -- Sosa took the opportunity to slam 50 home runs to lead the entire Major Leagues in that category. Sosa also hit a career best in batting average .320 and finished with 132 RBI's (2nd best in the NL). 

Even though, Sosa had a terrific season, he said the Cubs' miserable 65-97 record prevented him from fully
enjoying the season. Not even winning his first home run title could change that.

"When the team loses 90-some games, no one can look good," he said. "Even with the year I had, it's not a good year because winning means everything."

The Cubs finished last in the N.L Central Division (65-97) and were tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the worst record in the National League.

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