Fresh off his return to spring training, Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa already is preparing for two new projects— a part in a new Pepsi commercial and a role in Pepsi’s baseball marketing efforts. Sosa has signed an agreement with Pepsi-Cola Company to be featured in a new spot as part of Pepsi’s “Joy of Cola” campaign, set to air this spring.

In addition, Pepsi, a sponsor of Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs, will donate $100,000 to Sosa’s charitable foundation if he hits 70 home runs this season. Sosa also will be involved with Pepsi’s Takin’ it to the Fields youth baseball and softball programs and will appear on Pepsi in-store materials this summer. “Sammy is one of the most exciting and fan-friendly baseball players in the game today,” said Katie Lacey, director of sports marketing for Pepsi-Cola Company.

“He will put a face on Pepsi’s support of baseball, from our youth programs to our national marketing efforts. He has tremendously broad appeal and his exploits on the field have brought the ‘Joy of Baseball’ to fans everywhere. We’re convinced he’ll take the ‘Joy of Cola’ to equally impressive heights.” According to Teen Research Unlimited, teens rank Sosa as their second favorite athlete behind Michael Jordan. In the past two seasons, he has hit 66 and 63 home runs, respectively, becoming the first player to reach 60 home runs in two different seasons. In 1999, he led the National League in votes for the MLB All-Star Game.