former chicago cubs All-star Sammy Sosa was elected to the team's Hall of Fame, along with former first baseman Derek Lee.
The move toward reconciliation between Sosa and the Cubs began when Sosa was released statement In December.
“At times I did everything I could to recover from injuries in an attempt to maintain my strength to perform over 162 matches,” Sosa said in a statement. “I never broke any rules. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.” Through Aurora International Consulting Company.
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Former Chicago Cubs player Sammy Sosa honors fans as he is introduced during the Cubs' Conference Opening Ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Chicago. (Jun J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Following this statement, Cubs president Tom Ricketts said the team was “ready to move forward together” and invited Sosa to attend the annual Cubs fan convention.
Sosa's attendance at the conference marked his first time with the Cubs in any official capacity since he last played for the team in 2004.
Sosa said the apology in his December statement was not about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
“No. I'm referring, for example, 21 years later. I had fans who loved me very much. I had to apologize to them, because, usually, they see me playing for many years.”
When Sosa was announced at the convention, he received huge applause and ran onto the stage carrying the American flag.
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Sammy Sosa hit 66 home runs in 1998. (to imagine)
“People are growing up,” Sosa said. Via ESPN. “This is what happened to me. To make this statement, this was the right time for me. The response immediately was unbelievable. Now, the door is open, and I must continue to contribute (to the organization).”
“I think today was a perfect day.”
Sosa played 13 seasons with the Cubs and is the franchise's home run with 545 home runs.
Sosa finished his big league career with a .273 batting average and .600 home runs — currently ninth on the all-pro list. He also had 1,667 RBIs and 234 stolen bases in 18 seasons from 1989-2007.
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Sammy Sosa finished his career after the 2007 season with 609 home runs, good for ninth on the all-time list. (to imagine)
Since much of Sosa's success has been clouded by questions about performance-enhancing drug use throughout his career, he didn't take the plunge. hall of fame On the Baseball Writers Association of America ballot.
Sosa's next chance to be inducted into the Hall of Fame will be if he votes for the Modern Players Committee.
Sosa and Lee will be enshrined in the team's Hall of Fame at a game this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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