Sports Illustrated and Sporting News, the leading US sports publications, both chose Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire as their "sportsmen of the year." Both magazines publish photographs of the legendary baseball players on their front covers. Sosa becomes the first Latin to receive the honor in the 45 years of the award. It is the seventh time the award is shared. Bill Colson, editor of Sports Illustrated, said it was the easiest selection they had ever made. McGwire and Sosa are the 11th and 12th baseball players distinguished with the award.
