Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

Chicago Cubs rightfielder Sammy Sosa was fined a day’s work for his behavior on the last day of the season, because he came late and left early without ever participating in the game. Oh, by the way, a day’s pay for Sammy is $87,000 and some change, which is probably more than most Americans make in a year.

Sammy reminds me of a rude guest at a dinner party. The invitation said 4 PM for cocktails (think stretching and batting practice) and 5 PM to sit down for the main course (think actual game). But the guest arrived while the entrйe was being served. He didn’t even say anything to the host (think manager) nor was he pleasant to the other guests (think teammates). Deciding the party wasn’t to his liking, he left before dessert.

Maybe this year’s party wasn’t as much fun as Sammy and the others had hoped; but even thought it didn’t live up to the advance publicity, proper etiquette is proper etiquette.What Sammy, who was the Captain of this year’s team, should have done was go around to every single player after the final out and thank him personally for his efforts. He should have included the manager in his thank yous too.

I understand Sammy wants to appeal his fine. Well, I hope it stands. And . . . I won’t be inviting him to any of my dinner parties in the near future. I’d be too afraid of offending my other guests.