A Chicago Cubs legend is attempting to mend fences with his former organization.
Sammy Sosa, the Cubs’ all-time leader with 545 home runs in a Chicago uniform, has been largely exiled by the organization since he was named on a list of players reported to have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs shortly after his 2009 retirement.
Sosa never got close to being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame because of the steroid, but his accomplishments in a Cubs uniform loom large in the franchise’s history. The Cubs and their fans longed for an apology and a chance to reconcile with Sosa, and finally, they got it.
On Thursday, Sosa released a statement, obtained by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, apologizing to Cubs fans for his PED use and pledging to move forward in good standing with the organization.
“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’s statement said.
“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.”
“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 response, Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts released a statement, inviting Sosa to the Cubs’ upcoming winter weekend, to be held from Jan. 17-19:
“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.”
More MLB: Cubs predicted to cut ties with $85 million star following Cody Bellinger blockbuster
