On the 21 August, Alex Rodriguez, a 21-year-old born in San Juan de la Maguana but raised in Miami, became the fifth shortstop in the history of United States Major League Baseball to hit 30 home runs, after hitting his 30th and 31st of the 1996 season. Alex Rodriguez, who plays for the Seattle Mariners in the American League, joins an elite group which includes Ernie Banks, Rico Petrocelli, Vern Stephens and Cal Ripken Jr. Ironically, Alex Rodriguez hit his two historic home runs while playing against Cal. Ripken, the only other active player on the list, who is with the Baltimore Orioles.
In addition to hitting more than 30 home runs, Alex Rodriguez is currently leading the American League in batting average (.361), is second in doubles (42) and is the leading candidate for the Most Valuable Player of the League.
Less cheerful news for Dominicans in Major League Baseball is that Sammy Sosa, a native of San Pedro de Macoris, broke his right hand on 20 August, and will miss the rest of the season. Sammy was on course to break the record for home runs by a Latin American player (47, held by Dominican George Bell since 1987), having hit 40 with a month and a half of the season remaining He was also a candidate for the Most Valuable Player of the National League.