The Cubs elect Sammy Sosa to the team’s Hall of Fame after years away from the team due to PED questions
Former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa was elected to the team’s Hall of Fame, along with former first baseman Derek Lee.
A step toward reconciliation between Sosa and the Cubs began when Sosa was released statement in December.
“There were times when I did everything I could to recover from injuries in an effort to maintain my strength to play over 162 games. I never broke any laws. But in retrospect, I made mistakes and I apologize,” Sosa said in a statement. via Aurora Global Consulting.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Former Chicago Cubs shortstop Sammy Sosa acknowledges fans as he is introduced during the Cubs Convention Opening Ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
After that statement, Cubs president Tom Ricketts said the team was “ready to move forward together” and invited Sosa to the Cubs’ annual fan convention.
Sosa’s attendance at the convention was the first time he had been with the Cubs in any official capacity since he last played for the team in 2004.
Sosa said the apology in his December statement did not refer to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
“No. I mean, for example, look, 21 years. I had fans who loved me very much. I had to apologize to them, because, I mean, normally, they see me play for so many years.”
When Sosa was announced at the convention, he received a standing ovation and ran on stage with an American flag.
JAPANESE PHENOM PITCHER ROKI SASAKI CHOOSES DODGERS
Sammy Sosa hit 66 home runs in 1998. (IMAGIN)
People grow up, said Sosa via ESPN. “That’s what happened to me. To make that statement, it was the right time for me. The response was incredible right away. Now the door is open, I have to continue to contribute (to the organization).”
“I think today was a perfect day.”
Sosa played 13 seasons with the Cubs and is the franchise record hitter with 545 home runs.
Sosa finished his major league career with a .273 batting average and 609 homers — currently ninth on the career list. He also had 1,667 RBIs and 234 stolen bases in 18 seasons from 1989-2007.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sammy Sosa finished his career after the 2007 season with 609 home runs, good for ninth on the all-time list. (IMAGIN)
Because much of Sosa’s success was clouded by questions about his use of performance-enhancing drugs during his career, he did not Hall of Fame on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.
Sosa’s next chance for Hall of Fame consideration will be if he makes the ballot for the Contemporary Players Committee.
Sosa and Lee will be recognized in the team’s Hall of Fame at a game this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
