T.R. Sullivan reflects on the controversial 1989 trade where the Texas Rangers sent Sammy Sosa, Scott Fletcher, and Wilson Álvarez to the Chicago White Sox for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique. This trade, initially aimed at bolstering the Rangers’ lineup, backfired as Sosa became a power-hitting star while Baines, despite a respectable career, was later overshadowed by steroid allegations linked to Sosa. Baines ultimately achieved Hall of Fame status, while Sosa remains excluded, illustrating the trade’s long-lasting implications in baseball history. The narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, including George W. Bush’s humorous regret over the deal during his presidential campaign.
