After two decades of tension, Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs have begun to mend their fractured relationship. Sosa, now 56, recently issued a public apology for actions that estranged him from the franchise with which he became a baseball legend.
In his statement, Sosa reflected on his days with the Cubs, saying, ‘I left it all on the field for the Cubs and Cubs fans because I wanted to win and make the fans happy.’ He acknowledged the prevalent issue of performance-enhancing drug use during his playing career, admitting, ‘There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.’
This admission marks a turn from previous denials. In 2005, he stated through his attorney that he had ‘never taken illegal performance-enhancing drugs.’ Sosa’s comments come after it was reported in 2009 that he tested positive for PEDs in a survey conducted by Major League Baseball.
The Cubs, under chairman Tom Ricketts, expressed a welcoming attitude towards Sosa’s apology. Ricketts said, ‘No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs.’ He extended an invitation for Sosa to attend the Cubs Convention set for January 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
Sosa’s remarkable tenure with the Cubs includes hitting 545 of his 609 career home runs while wearing their uniform. His iconic chase for home runs during the 1998 season, alongside Mark McGwire, played a vital role in revitalizing interest in baseball following the 1994 strike.
However, Sosa’s relationship with the Cubs soured in 2004 amid allegations of PED use and a contentious departure. Following his recent apology, he expressed hope for a renewed friendship, saying, ‘We can’t change the past, but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub and I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.’
The upcoming Cubs Convention presents an opportunity for fans to reconnect with Sosa, marking a significant moment in the narrative of one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
