Sammy Sosa, one of the most iconic players in Chicago Cubs history, has taken a monumental step toward reconciling with the franchise and its fans. After years of estrangement stemming from his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, Sosa has 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 on 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 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 wrote. “Cubs’ fans are the best in the world, and I hope that the fans, the Cubs, and I can all 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 following reports of his PED use. While Sosa’s achievements on the field were undeniable, the controversy surrounding his career kept 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 of his own, signaling an openness to reconciliation.
“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 said. “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.”
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 looming over his legacy. Sosa’s dynamic play during his 13 seasons with the Cubs, highlighted by his unforgettable 1998 home run chase with Mark McGwire, brought joy and excitement to a generation of baseball enthusiasts.
The question now is whether the apology will lead to Sosa’s full reintegration into the Cubs family. His planned appearance at the 2025 Cubs Convention could serve as the first step toward mending fences 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 may finally pave the way for a brighter, unified future.
