For the first time in 17 years, Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs are on the same page.
In the aftermath of his retirement from baseball, Sosa’s relationship with the Cubs became very strained. On Thursday, both parties opened the door for reconciliation.
“I left it all on the field for the Cubs and Cubs fans because I wanted to win and make the fans happy.
I loved to see the fans at Wrigley in the Right Field Bleachers every home game.
I understand why some players in my era don’t always get the recognition that our stats deserve.
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.
We accomplished great things as a team, and I worked extremely hard in the batting cage to become a great hitter.
Cubs’ fans are the best in the world, and I hope that fans, the Cubs and I can all come together again and move forward.
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.
In 13 years with the franchise, Sosa slugged 545 home runs and became one of the biggest stars in sports. From 1998 to 2001, Sosa hit 243 HR and topped 63 HR three times. The National League MVP in ’98, Sosa hit 66 HR and led baseball with 158 RBI.
Sosa, who has long been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, didn’t admit to PED use in his statement. Sosa testified in front of Congress in 2005 and denied using PEDs, as well.
Due to the suspicion surrounding Sosa, the slugger was not elected to the Hall of Fame. In 2022, his 10th and final year on the ballot, Sosa received 18.5% of the vote — well short of the 75% necessary.
Shortly after Sosa’s statement was released, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts released a statement responding to the franchise icon.
We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out. No one played harder or wanted to win more.
Nobody’s perfect but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs.
It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite. We plan on inviting him to the 2025 Cubs Convention and, while it is short notice, we hope that he can attend. We are all ready to move forward together.
Sosa is the Cubs’ all-time leader with 545 HR and ranks 9th in MLB history with 609 dingers.
