Sammy Sosa, one of the most iconic players in Chicago Cubs history, has taken a monumental step toward reconciliation with the franchise and its fans. After years of estrangement resulting from his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, Sosa issued a heartfelt apology in hopes of rebuilding his relationship with the organization.
The former slugger, who hit a franchise-record 545 home runs in a Cubs uniform, released a statement Thursday obtained by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. In it, Sosa acknowledged his mistakes and expressed a deep desire to reunite with the team and its fans.
“There were times when I did everything I could to recover from injuries in an effort to maintain my strength to perform in 162 games. I have never broken any laws, but in retrospect, I made mistakes and I apologize,” Sosa wrote. “The Cubs fans are the best in the world, and I hope the fans, the Cubs and I can come together again and move forward.”
He added, “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.”
This apology marks a significant moment for both Sosa and the Cubs. The two have had a strained relationship since Sosa’s retirement in 2009, with the organization distancing itself from the former All-Star after reports of his PED use. While Sosa’s successes on the field are undeniable, the controversy surrounding his career prevented him from gaining traction for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame and left many fans with mixed emotions.
In response to Sosa’s statement, Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts released a public message, signaling an openness to reconciliation.
“We appreciate Sammy making his statement and for reaching out to us. No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody is perfect, but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs,” Ricketts said. “It’s an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite. We plan to invite him to the 2025 Cubs Convention, and even though it’s short notice, we hope he can attend. We are all ready to move forward together.”
For many Cubs fans, this apology represents the moment they’ve been waiting for: a chance to embrace Sosa again without the shadow of controversy hanging over his legacy. Sosa’s dynamic play during his 13 years with the Cubs, highlighted by his unforgettable 1998 home run drive off Mark McGwire, brought joy and enthusiasm to a generation of baseball fans.
The question now is whether the apology will lead to Sosa’s full reinstatement into the Cubs family. His planned participation in the 2025 Cubs Convention could serve as the first step toward mending ties and rekindling a relationship that has long been fractured.
As the Cubs organization and fans consider this new chapter, one thing is clear: Sammy Sosa’s place in Cubs history is secure, and this apology could finally pave the way for a brighter, more unified future.
