CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Nov. 10, 2009: Is the Dominican Republic-born, former baseball star, Sammy Sosa, bleaching?

The question has come up after photos of the retired dark-skinned baseball slugger surfaced showing a much paler skinned Sosa. Sosa, 40, was photographed last Wednesday at an awards event in Las Vegas, looking very pale.

Some so called experts say Sosa may be bleaching while others suspect his new lighter complexion could be tied to purported steroid use.

But Chicago Cubs employee Rebecca Polihronis told the Chicago Tribune: 'He is going through a rejuvenation process for his skin. He was surprised he came out looking so white.'

Sosa was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. In 1998, Sosa  achieved national fame for his home run-hitting prowess in pursuit of Roger Maris` home run record. He is also the all-time home run leader among foreign-born MLB players. Furthermore, Sosa is one of only two National League Players to ever reach 160 RBI, a milestone he reached in 2001. On June 3, 2009, Sosa announced his intention to retire from Major League Baseball.