Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs have put aside their differences, marking the end of a 17-year estrangement. The former slugger expressed remorse for his past “mistakes” during a press statement on Thursday, reflecting on his playing career.
While Sosa stopped short of directly admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs, he acknowledged that he sometimes “did whatever I could to recover from injuries” to maintain his performance during the demanding 162-game season. He emphasized that while he never broke any laws, he regretted some of his actions and offered his apology.
During an impressive 18-year career, Sosa hit 609 home runs, making him the ninth highest in Major League Baseball history. His remarkable tenure with the Cubs includes three seasons where he hit over 60 home runs, a period that coincided with baseball’s infamous steroid era.
Shortly after his apology, the Cubs welcomed Sosa back by inviting him to their winter fan convention for the first time since his retirement in 2007. Despite his significant accomplishments, Sosa, along with other notable players like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, has faced challenges in securing a place in the Hall of Fame due to their association with the steroid era. In his final year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2022, Sosa received only 18.5% of the vote, far below the required 75%.
Cubs’ owner Tom Ricketts acknowledged Sosa’s statement and expressed the team’s excitement about moving forward together. Ricketts highlighted Sosa’s dedication and passion for the game, emphasizing that he remains a fan favorite.
Sosa himself expressed hope for the future, stating that despite the past, he has always felt connected to the Cubs and is eager to reconnect with the fans.
This reconciliation signals a positive step forward for both Sosa and the Cubs, reflecting the potential for healing and collaboration within the world of sports. With Sosa’s heartfelt return, fans can look forward to a bright future, celebrating shared history while embracing new opportunities.