Legendary Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa is set to reunite with his former team after years of estrangement. The iconic player, who holds the Cubs’ club record with 545 home runs, released a heartfelt apology letter on Thursday, addressing his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and reflecting on his legacy.
In his letter, Sosa expressed deep gratitude to the Cubs and their fans, acknowledging the controversy surrounding his career:
“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“, reported by NBC.
He admitted to doing whatever was necessary to recover from injuries during his career but emphasized that he never broke any laws:
“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.”
Sosa ended on a hopeful note, 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 apology prompted a warm response from Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, who had previously stated Sosa wouldn’t be welcomed back without a public acknowledgment of his alleged PED use. Ricketts released a statement, inviting Sosa to attend the 2025 Cubs Convention in January.
“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.”
Ricketts emphasized the team’s readiness to move forward:
“It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite… We are all ready to move forward together.”
Sosa, once suspected of PED use during his prime in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was never officially named in the Mitchell Report, though other reports and allegations surfaced over the years. Despite hitting 60 or more home runs in three separate seasons—a feat unmatched in MLB history—Sosa was left off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2023 after 10 years of eligibility.
The rift between Sosa and the Cubs had persisted since his departure in 2004, but the team’s invitation signals a significant reconciliation. Following in the footsteps of other PED-associated players like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Alex Rodriguez, Sosa’s apology has paved the way for recognition of his contributions to the game.
With the 2025 Cubs Convention on the horizon, fans eagerly await the long-overdue return of one of baseball’s most electrifying stars to the Cubs family.